Duval Times

The City of Jacksonville is set to host the 38th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast, presented by Florida Blue. The event will feature a keynote address by Jonathan Eig, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for his work "King: A Life." In addition to his speech, Eig will participate in a Fireside Chat with Isaiah M. Oliver, President of the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida.

This year's program will commemorate the 125th anniversary of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," a hymn with deep roots in Jacksonville's history. Another highlight includes celebrating the winners of the “2025 Tomorrow’s Leaders presented by VyStar Credit Union” competition. These awards honor local students who exemplify Dr. King's principles of service, leadership, and civic responsibility.

For 2025, the competition introduced new artistic components alongside traditional essay submissions. Winners were selected from categories including essay, poetry, and visual arts, all inspired by Dr. King's quote: “We must walk on in the days ahead with an audacious faith in the future.”

The winners are as follows:

High School - Poetry:

- 1st Place Winner: Kynlei Gibbs - 9th Grade - Riverside High School

- 1st Runner Up: Juriyah Gilmore - Grade 9 - Riverside High School

- 2nd Runner Up: Zohli Harris - Grade 9 - Riverside High School

Middle School - Visual Arts:

- 1st Place Winner: Diego Muñoz - Grade 7 - Westview K-8

- 1st Runner Up: Delilah Meza - Grade 7 - Landmark Middle School

- 2nd Runner Up: Amari Saint-Vil - Grade 8 - Matthew W. Gilbert Middle School

Elementary School - Essay:

- 1st Place Winner: Tyson Jones - Grade 5 - Biscayne Elementary Leadership Academy

- 1st Runner Up: Millionaire Paige - Andrew A. Robinson Elementary

- 2nd Runner Up: Skye Stuckey - Grade 5 - Biscayne Elementary Academy

Tickets for the breakfast are available at JaxMLKBreakfast.com. Reserved tables for ten must be purchased by January 10, while individual tickets can be bought until sold out or up to the event date. Tickets cost $70 each or $700 for corporate tables. Parking is free; however, early arrival is encouraged.

The City of Jacksonville Office of Sports and Entertainment plays a significant role in attracting events that drive economic impact and cultural engagement within Northeast Florida.