The University of Georgia hosted its 22nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Breakfast on January 16 at the Tate Student Center. The event’s theme, “The Power of the Dream: Leading Change, Lifting Community,” encouraged attendees to consider their actions and their dedication to community improvement.
UGA President Jere W. Morehead addressed those gathered by saying, “Each year, this gathering gives us a chance to pause, reflect and recommit ourselves to the values that Dr. King urged us to pursue with courage and consistency — justice, dignity, opportunity and community. Thank you all for being here to honor Dr. King and to renew our shared responsibility for his unfinished work.”
Jay Bailey, president and CEO of the H.J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), delivered the keynote address. He emphasized making an impact within one’s immediate surroundings by recalling advice from a friend’s great aunt who said change begins “with the 3 feet around you.” Bailey added, “Change is incremental, and we’ve got to think about how we start to see the people who are within the 3 feet around us.”
Bailey also reflected on his personal experiences with loss and resilience: “I’m a firm believer that loss creates leaders,” he said. “The whole world says keep your head straight and walk straight ahead, but I’d submit to each of you that if you’ve never been on your back, I don’t know if you’ve ever truly seen the sun. It is in the darkness of our lives that we most appreciate light.” He further noted Dr. King’s belief in everyone’s potential: “There is something we inherently have in each of us that could fundamentally shift generations,” Bailey said. “We’ve come a long way, but never let us get weary, never let us get tired, and certainly never let us be satisfied. There is still so very far to go.”
The breakfast also included recognition through the President’s Fulfilling the Dream Award for individuals contributing positively through civic engagement at UGA or in Athens-Clarke County. This year’s recipients were Jhaycee Barnes (a fourth-year UGA Foundation Fellow majoring in economics and political science), Randy Groomes (director of professional and community engagement at Terry College of Business), and Robbie Hooker (retired educator and Georgia State Director for Bailey Education Group). The Dawn D. Bennett Alexander Inclusive Community Award was presented to Eliza Banu, senior lecturer in engineering.
Rod Guajardo, assistant to the president and university spokesperson, remarked on ongoing efforts inspired by Dr. King: “Living and working in the south, you don’t have to search far to find reminders of the unfinished work Dr. King called us all to take on,” he said. “Today, we honor those values by recognizing individuals who are not only inspired by Dr. King’s dream but who are also actively helping to bring that dream to life through service, leadership and a deep commitment to others.”
The program featured performances by Gabrielle Campbell (senior) and Londyn Walker (freshman) from Clarke Central High School singing “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.” Students from Clarke County School District contributed writings and artwork reflecting on King’s legacy under this year’s theme.
Alton Standifer, vice provost for academic and community engagement as well as chief of staff to the provost at UGA concluded: “Here at UGA and in Athens, community isn’t just a word or a place. It’s a feeling. It’s an experience,” he said.“I hope that this morning’s program is a catalyst for renewed energy continued dialogue and meaningful commitment to Dr.King’s lasting legacy.”
