Fostering a Beloved Community

As a passionate advocate for justice, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an undeniable leader of the civil rights movement in the United States. His legacy of activism for social justice has inspired generations of human rights advocates around the world. Westerville honors King’s impact annually through the Leadership Westerville Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Project at the Westerville MLK Breakfast Celebration. This year’s event is on Monday, Jan. 20, at the Medallion Club beginning at 8 a.m.

The event began in 2006 under the leadership of senior pastors Rev. Jim Zippay and Rev. Vaughn Bell. Today, the MLK Legacy Project is composed of representatives from the City, Otterbein University, Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce, Westerville City Schools, Westerville Public Library and interested residents with oversight provided by the board of Leadership Westerville.The celebration has attracted renowned speakers from across the country to present on topics related to Dr. King’s legacy.

This year, trainer, author and speaker Kenston Henderson Sr. will discuss the theme, "Creating achievable goal that could be attained by a critical mass of people committed to and trained in the philosophy and methods of nonviolence."

Another element of the celebration is the presentation of the Alston and Fouse awards. The Alston Award is named in honor of Miriam Alston who traveled from North Carolina to East Orange, later known as Africa, Ohio. The Alstons became landowners and active participants in the Underground Railroad.

The award is presented to a community member who exemplifies characteristics demonstrated by King, showing respect for the differences in others around them and taking action to address injustices in the community.

William H. Fouse was the first Black graduate of Westerville Public Schools and Otterbein College (now Otterbein University). The Fouse Award recognizes a young person in the community (grades 6-12), who has taken action to support inclusion, respect for others and bravery in the face of adversity.

Westerville MLK Breakfast CelebrationMonday, Jan. 20 | 8 a.m.The Medallion Club | 5000 Club Dr., Westerville, OHRegister at www.leadershipwesterville.com/mlk-legacy-project.