About Us
The Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County is dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through promoting goodwill and mutual respect. Founded in 2003, we organize significant annual events such as the Prayer Breakfast, Youth Celebration, Candlelight Service, and Peace March & Rally, bringing together thousands to celebrate Dr. King’s teachings.
Beyond annual celebrations, our Community Outreach Providing Empowerment (COPE) Initiative offers year-round educational programs, workshops, and special events to empower residents of Asheville and Buncombe County. We also lead the Buncombe Community Remembrance Project, recognizing historical injustices as part of the Equal Justice Initiative.
We invite you to experience powerful moments from our recent events:
-
Watch the full 2026 Prayer Breakfast here.
-
Read about the impact of the 45th Annual Peace March and Rally in this Asheville Citizen Times article.
-
Celebrate and learn more about the outstanding community leaders honored with the 2026 John Lewis and Rosa Parks Awards here.
- See how Asheville comes together to celebrate Juneteenth.
Join us in promoting justice, equity, and peace in our community.
2026 Sponsors
Diamond
Platinum
NC MLK Commission
Gold
Bronze
- ACLU-NC
- All Souls Counseling Center
- Asheville City Schools
- Asheville City Schools Foundation
- Asheville Community Theatre
- Blue Ridge Public Radio
- Buncombe County Democratic Party
- Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office
- Burial Beer
- Christine Avery Learning Center
- Community Foundation of Western North Carolina
- East Fork Pottery
- Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville
- Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church
- Haywood Street Congregation
- HomeTrust Bank
- Land of Sky Regional Council
- Mars Hill University
- Mountain Bizworks
- Mountain Housing Opportunities
- Pisgah Legal Services
- Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Asheville
- Rotary Club of Asheville
- Self Help Credit Union
- The Van Winkle Law Firm
- Trinity Episcopal Church/Church of the Advocate
- UNC Asheville
- United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County
- Warren Wilson College
- YMCA of Western North Carolina
Programs
Buncombe County Remembrance Project
The Buncombe Community Remembrance Project aims to acknowledge and remember individuals lynched in Buncombe County, as well as to:
- More accurately reflect history of racial and economic injustice and inequity
- Heal from the silent trauma surrounding racial violence
- Foster local conversation and reflections concerning community healing
- Community healing through programming and events
COPE Program
The Community Outreach Providing Empowerment (COPE) Initiative focuses on empowering residents living in Asheville and Buncombe County through educational outreach, workshops, seminars, and special events. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County, Inc. places great emphasis on the goals of Dr. King that foster economic development, affordable housing, and self-sufficiency.
Stand Against Racism
The Martin Luther King Association works each year with the YWCA of Asheville in support of its Stand Against Racism program.
MLK Week
Each year we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy through our annual commemoration event.
Awards
Youth Awards & Scholarships
In late April the MLK Association honors area high school and middle school students who have demonstrated leadership, intellectual, and community engagement skills. In addition to receiving recognition awards, up to three students each year are awarded a scholarship to the university of their choice.
John Lewis Awards
The MLK Association celebrates and thanks the MLK Association John Lewis Award honorees for their leadership and inspiring service to our community. This award honors men in our community who have fostered a culture of inclusion in the Asheville community, worked to achieve a just society for the disadvantaged, and more.
Rosa Parks Awards
The MLK Association celebrates and thanks the MLK Association Rosa Parks Award honorees for their leadership and inspiring service to our community. This award honors women in our community who have fostered a culture of inclusion in the Asheville community, worked to achieve a just society for the disadvantaged, and more.
MLK
Awards
Annual awards held during the MLK Week Candlelight Service, community members and organizations are honored for their service to the community.