“Jacksonville residents have gathered together for this annual breakfast for over 30 years to honor the legacy of one of the most influential leaders in history,” said Mayor Lenny Curry. “This event provides an opportunity for all ages to join in strengthening community bonds and renew our commitment to Dr. King’s vision of freedom, justice and equality.”
 
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast presented by Florida Blue will be hosted by Dawn Lopez from Action News Jax and Anthony Austin from First Coast News and will feature Mayor Lenny Curry and newly announced keynote speaker, Simon T. Bailey. As a business speaker who emboldens audiences to think big and lead with purpose, Simon T. Bailey knows how to challenge an audience and provide tangible takeaways and sustainable action steps. Bailey has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, including serving as sales director for Disney Institute, and has worked with over 1,800 organizations in 50 countries.
 
The program will also recognize the 2023 Tomorrow’s Leaders presented by VyStar Credit Union award recipients. Tomorrow’s Leaders presented by VyStar Credit Union is a component of the breakfast that recognizes and awards young students in our community who exemplify the philosophies of Dr. King through leadership, community volunteerism and civic responsibility.
 
Martin Luther King, Jr. said: “No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” This year, students submitted essays about their dream job and how that job is significant and influential to our community.
 
The 2023 Tomorrow’s Leaders presented by VyStar Credit Union winners are:

• Elementary First Place: Jael McBride, 4th Grade, Biscayne Elementary
• Middle School First Place: Desiree Garcia, 8th Grade, LaVilla School of the Arts
• High School First Place: Sofia Marcilese, 11th Grade, Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
• Elementary Runner-Up:  Eric Green, 5th Grade, Biscayne Elementary
• Middle School Runner-Up: Sanai Brown, 7th Grade, Baldwin Middle Senior High School
• Middle School Runner-Up: Julia Richardson, 7th Grade, LaVilla School of the Arts
• Middle School Runner-up: Jayden Mckevier, 6th Grade, Alfred I. Dupont Middle School
• High School Runner-Up: Madelyn Marcellus, Mandarin High School

Limited individual tickets and corporate tables are available for purchase at JaxMLKBreakfast.com. Individual tickets are $40 and corporate tables are $500. Ticket pricing includes admittance and breakfast. Parking for the event is free.
 
About the City of Jacksonville Division of Sports and Entertainment: The City of Jacksonville Division of Sports and Entertainment attracts, hosts and creates opportunities that drive economic impact, accelerate the Jacksonville brand and improve the quality of life and cultural engagement for visitors and residents. Jacksonville hosts hundreds of diverse events each year making Northeast Florida a premier destination with rich tradition and world-class hospitality. For more information, visit events.coj.net.