POUGHKEEPSIE – The Catharine Street Community Center continued the tradition of hosting an annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast on Friday. The 2024 breakfast has taken place for 33 years and brings community members from all walks of life to celebrate the positive accomplishments of those who have made a difference or empowered others to make positive changes in the world they live in.
The 2024 guest speaker, Marisa Lee, graduated from John Jay High School in Hopewell Junction and was an MLK Youth Honoree at the 2001 breakfast. Lee worked for President Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper Alliance” before leaving to develop Beacon Advisors, where she serves as the CEO. Her vision developed the company into a major social-impact firm that assists foundations, non-profits, and corporations with strategy and implementation of ideas along with a host of other services.
Four local high school students received scholarships at the breakfast; Rocco Casablanca of Orchard View Alternative High School, Ajeya Davis-Hernandez of Spackenkill High School, Janiyah Elias, Poughkeepsie High School and Peter Sealy, Jr., Poughkeepsie High School. The scholarships are awarded after the nominees are reviewed by a committee that judges the students for their overall academic accomplishments and extracurricular activities in support of others.
Community Honorees are recognized for their contribution to the community and support of at-risk children and families. The 2024 honorees were Bardavon 1869 Opera House Executive Director Chris Silva, Cora Mallory Davis (posthumously), and William Davis. Community Honorees are recognized for their contribution to the community and support of at-risk children and families.
The Richard Wager Inclusive Champion Award, named for the former publisher of the Poughkeepsie Journal, which is no longer headquartered in Dutchess County, is awarded to an individual or organization for advancements in the area of diversity and inclusiveness. Reverend Sue Fortunato and the Summer School-Age Camp Program at Poughkeepsie’s Christ Episcopal Church were named the 2024 honorees.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino joined many elected officials at the event and spoke with Mid-Hudson News following the breakfast. “This morning’s Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast was another incredible example of community leaders who go above and beyond for our neighbors and exemplify all that Martin Luther King Jr. stood for.” Serino continued, adding As we move forward and strive to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., it is my hope that we can continue to lead with kindness and respect so we can achieve the most common good for our community.”
