20th Annual MLK Unity Breakfast Set For Jan. 13 (ICYMI)

CANTON, GA — The 20th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Breakfast will be held this weekend in Canton. The celebration will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13 at the Northside Hospital Cherokee Conference Center at 1130 Bluffs Parkway.

Three keynotes speakers are lined up this year: Canton Mayor Gene Hogbood, Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques and the Rev. Ellington Bates of Mount Olive Baptist Church in Woodstock. Serving as Master of Ceremonies will be Towne Lake Community Church of Woodstock William “Pastor Bill”Ratliff.

Organizers say the speakers have been long-time supporters of this event entering its second decade of bringing the community together. This year's theme is One Nation Under God - In Our Government, Our Community and in Our Churches.

Each speaker with address the audience that highlights his current role, responsibility and perspective on how the theme ties into their public service. This theme will also be introduced to high school senior applicants as the essay topic for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship sponsored by Allen Temple AME Church in Woodstock.

The annual MLK Unity Breakfast recognizes the legacy of one of America’s greatest civil rights icons and draws approximately 500 residents from all racial, political, social and religious backgrounds to promote unity among the citizens of the county. Cherokee County schools, community groups and businesses will participate. Cherokee County officials and community leaders will also be in attendance.

Guests enjoy a complimentary full breakfast as well as dynamic speakers, musical groups, and other performances. The event is capped by highlighting the MLK Scholarship Fundraiser and the presentation of the MLK Unity Award. Of course, the event is free and open to the public.

(Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)