Jacksonville, Florida, December 8, 2025
Jacksonville, Florida, will host its 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, honoring Dr. King’s legacy with the theme ‘When Courage Leads, Love Follows’. This significant community event will showcase local talent, encourage dialogue, and foster unity. The event is expected to attract families, students, and community leaders to reflect on Dr. King’s principles and their relevance today.
Jacksonville Celebrates Courage and Community at 39th Annual MLK Breakfast
Join in honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a community breakfast fostering unity and progress.
Jacksonville, Florida – The City of Jacksonville is set to host the 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast on January 16, 2026, at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center. This significant event, in collaboration with the Jacksonville Branch NAACP, Jacksonville Urban League, and JAX Chamber, will honor the life and legacy of Dr. King. Notably, the theme “When Courage Leads, Love Follows” invites local residents and leaders to reflect on the values Dr. King championed and how they continue to resonate within our community today.
As Jacksonville prepares for this year’s breakfast, it highlights the indomitable spirit of local organizations committed to fostering inclusion and community engagement. This event stands as a testament to the power of collective initiative in Jacksonville, reminding us of the impact that can be achieved with reduced bureaucracy and community-driven efforts. There’s a palpable excitement as families, students, and community leaders gather to engage in meaningful dialogue surrounding Dr. King’s philosophies.
Event Details
- Date: January 16, 2026
- Location: Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, Jacksonville, Florida
- Time: Breakfast at 7 a.m., Program at 8 a.m.
- Hosts: Shay Simon from Action News Jax and Anthony Austin from First Coast News
- Presented by: Florida Blue
Program Highlights
This year’s program will place special emphasis on recognizing young talent through the Tomorrow’s Leaders contest. This initiative acknowledges students who embody the spirit of Dr. King through leadership, community service, and civic responsibility. Submitted works, which range from essays to poetry and visual arts, align with the overarching theme, celebrating courage and love.
Winners of this year’s contest include:
- High School Poetry: Janea White, a 9th grader from Westside High School
- Middle School Visual Arts: Jordan Taylor, a 7th grader from Westview K-8
- Elementary School Essay: Raquel Watson, a 5th grader from Biscayne Elementary Leadership Academy
Ticket Information
Tickets for the breakfast can be obtained through the City of Jacksonville’s special events page. Early purchase is encouraged, especially for reserved corporate tables for ten, which must be bought by January 9, 2026. For those planning to drive, complimentary parking will be available, allowing attendees to focus on the program rather than logistical concerns.
Background
Since its inception on January 15, 1988, the Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast has grown into an annual tradition that underscores Jacksonville’s dedication to unity and progress. The inaugural event featured a keynote address by Benjamin Hooks, then executive director of the NAACP, and since then has expanded to include a diverse array of community leaders and organizations working together. This year’s 39th Annual Breakfast continues to embody this spirit, fostering discussions on civic involvement and the ongoing relevance of Dr. King’s message.
Key Features of the 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast
| Date | Location | Theme | Hosts | Presented by | Ticket Information | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 16, 2026 | Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, Jacksonville, Florida | When Courage Leads, Love Follows | Shay Simon (Action News Jax), Anthony Austin (First Coast News) | Florida Blue | Available through the City of Jacksonville’s special events page; Reserved corporate tables for 10 require purchase by January 9, 2026 | Free; Attendees are encouraged to arrive early |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the date and location of the 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast?
The event is scheduled for January 16, 2026, at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center in Jacksonville, Florida.
What is the theme of this year’s event?
The theme for the 39th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast is “When Courage Leads, Love Follows.”
Who are the hosts of the event?
The event will be hosted by Shay Simon from Action News Jax and Anthony Austin from First Coast News.
How can I purchase tickets for the breakfast?
Tickets are available through the City of Jacksonville’s special events page. Reserved corporate tables for 10 require purchase by January 9, 2026.
Is parking available at the event?
Parking is free at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure parking and ensure a timely start to the program.
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
