Triangle citizens of all ages attend the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast sponosored by Capitol Broadcasting on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Capitol Broadcasting Company proudly sponsored the annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast for the 28th time on Monday, January 19, 2015. A variety of leaders from different faiths offered up prayers while other community leaders offered words to mark the annual holiday. The program also included two stirring musical performances. The second hour of the program aired live on WRAL-TV, emceed by WRAL-TV Anchor David Crabtree. That broadcast ran again on FOX 50 at noon, while WRAL.com live-streamed the entire program.
The event featured UNC-Chapel Hill Professor Dr. James H. Johnson, Jr. as the keynote speaker. Johnson pondered, “What would keep Dr. King up at night?” and proceeded to talk about the Triple Whammy of Geographical Disadvantage. Johnson shared graphs, maps and charts with statistics about poverty and race. He spoke of how to respond to a crisis by leveraging the power of collective ambition
“We need a strategy,” said Johnson. “If you are afraid to push the envelope, we’ll never change.”
He noted that “enhancing educational outcomes for our most vulnerable children” is a crucial part of a solution.
“We can’t become complacent in following Dr. King’s dream. We must serve one another. In truth, one day a year is not enough. We must serve every day.”
– Roy Watson, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC
An example of such a positive outcome with intervention took the podium earlier in the program, earning the first rousing ovation of the event. Rashonda Blue, a junior at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School shared an essay she’d written about her own experiences. A participant in the Clarence E. Lightner YMCA Achievers program, Blue told the crowd, “I wake up every morning determined not to be a statistic.”
Rashonda Blue, a Junior at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School,tells the crowd at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, “I wake up every morning determined not to be a statistic.”
Blue tearfully shared the statistic about the number of minority children born to incarcerated parents, and how she was one such child.
“The odds are against me,” she said. “But my parents’ past does not define me. It does one thing for me and it motivates me.”
She challenged, “We must start with a blueprint, a plan. Without a vision towards the future, hope is lost. Once a thought or plan has comes together but it must be acted upon. Now is not a time to give up or lose focus.”
The 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast took place at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in Research Triangle Park, with doors opening at 6am.
“We cannot wait for the next Dr. King. . . It is our responsibility to honor Dr. King and carry his dream in our hearts and actions every day.”
– Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane
Because of the sponsorship of Capitol Broadcasting, the event, which includes a full breakfast, is free and open to the public. The YMCA of the Greater Triangle and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina served as broadcast sponsors this year, so thanks to their generous support thousands of Triangle citizens could watch the event from home on television or computer.
Capitol Broadcasting proudly sponsored the annual Marting Luther King, Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast for the 28th time on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Capitol Broadcasting proudly sponsored the annual Marting Luther King, Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast for the 28th time on Monday, January 19, 2015.
FOX 50’s LaTonya Jones (left) & WRAL-TV’s Robert Thompson help represent CBC at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
WRAL-TV crew members John Cox (l to r), Clarence Williams and Stuart Todd get ready to capture the breakfast program for viewers at home and online.
WRAL-TV crew members John Cox (l to r), Clarence Williams and Stuart Todd get ready to capture the breakfast program for viewers at home and online.
Capitol Broadcasting proudly sponsored the annual Marting Luther King, Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast for the 28th time on Monday, January 19, 2015.
WRAL-TV News Photographer John Cox sets up his camera to capture the program for viewers at home and online.
Triangle citizens of all ages attend the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast sponosored by Capitol Broadcasting on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Attendees line up for breakfast at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast sponosored by Capitol Broadcasting on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Attendees line up for breakfast at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast sponosored by Capitol Broadcasting on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Attendees line up for breakfast at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast sponosored by Capitol Broadcasting on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Capitol Broadcasting proudly sponsored the annual Marting Luther King, Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast for the 28th time on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Capitol Broadcasting proudly sponsored the annual Marting Luther King, Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast for the 28th time on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Members of the Edenton Street United Methodist Church Choir prepare for their part in the program at the Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Breakfast.
Members of the Edenton Street United Methodist Church Choir prepare for their part in the program at the Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Breakfast.
Members of the Edenton Street United Methodist Church Choir prepare for their part in the program at the Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Breakfast.
Members of the Edenton Street United Methodist Church Choir prepare for their part in the program at the Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Breakfast.
Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane (right) attends the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
WRAL-TV’s David Crabtree (left) chats with Bishop Michael Burbidge before the program at the 35th Annual Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast gets underway.
Speakers get ready for the program at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
WRAL-TV’s Steve Hammel (left) & FOX 50’s Matt Donegan help represent Capitol Broadcasting at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
WRAL-TV’s Robert Thompson checks out the program for the the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Rev. Dr. Dumas Harshaw, Jr. welcomes the crowd to the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Rev. Dr. Dumas Harshaw, Jr. welcomes the crowd to the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Rev. Dr. Earl Johnson of Martin Street Baptist Church in Raleigh offers the opening prayer at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Rev. Dr. Dumas Harshaw, Jr. invites the crowd to stand and sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
The crowd joins in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
The crowd joins in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
The crowd joins in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
The crowd joins in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
The crowd joins in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Religious leaders from different faiths join the crowd in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Rev. Dr. Dumas Harshaw, Jr. emcees the first part ofthe program for the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Rev. Dr. Dumas Harshaw, Jr. emcees the first part ofthe program for the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Dr. Jerry Head, Chairman of the Durham MLK Steering Committee offers words of welcome at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Rashonda Blue, a Junior at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School, shares her essay with the crowd at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Rashonda Blue, a Junior at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School,tells the crowd at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, “I wake up every morning determined not to be a statistic.”
Rashonda Blue, a Junior at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School,tells the crowd at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, “I wake up every morning determined not to be a statistic.”
Rashonda Blue, a Junior at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School,tells the crowd at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, “I wake up every morning determined not to be a statistic.”
Members of the Edenton Street United Methodist Church Choir sing a spiritual as part of the program at the Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Breakfast.
Triangle citizens of all ages attend the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast sponosored by Capitol Broadcasting on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Roy Watson of Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC offers thoughts on “Why We Celebrate This Day” at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
James White of the YMCA of the Triangle offers thoughts on “Why We Celebrate This Day” at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
WRAL-TV’s Stuart Todd signals the podium speakers for the live telecast of the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
WRAL-TV Anchor David Crabtree emcees the televised portion of the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
WRAL-TV Anchor David Crabtree emcees the televised portion of the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
WRAL-TV Anchor David Crabtree emcees the televised portion of the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Bishop Michael Burbidge offers words on “Why We Do This?” at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Rabbi Eric Solomon of Beth Meyer Synagogue in Raleigh offers a Prayer for the Vulnerable & Suffering.
Steve Rao, At Large Council Member for the Town of Morrisville, represents the Hindu community in offering up a Prayer for Reconciliation.
Oliver Muhammed, Senior Imam at As-Salaam Islamic Center of Raleigh offers up a Prayer for Justice & Peace.
Rev. Mark Anthony Middleton, Pastor at Abundant Hope Christian Church in Durham, offers some Reflections after the prayers.
Rev. Mark Anthony Middleton, Pastor at Abundant Hope Christian Church in Durham, offers some Reflections after the prayers.
National Recording Artist Jekalyn Carr offers up a musical tribute at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast sponosored by Capitol Broadcasting on Monday, January 19, 2015.
National Recording Artist Jekalyn Carr offers up a musical tribute at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast sponosored by Capitol Broadcasting on Monday, January 19, 2015.
National Recording Artist Jekalyn Carr offers up a musical tribute at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast sponosored by Capitol Broadcasting on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Triangle citizens of all ages attend the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast sponosored by Capitol Broadcasting on Monday, January 19, 2015.
WRAL-TV News Photographer John Cox captures the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast for viewers at home.
WRAL-TV News Photographer John Cox captures the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast for viewers at home.
National Recording Artist Jekalyn Carr offers up a musical tribute at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast sponosored by Capitol Broadcasting on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Capitol Broadcasting proudly sponsored the annual Marting Luther King, Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast for the 28th time on Monday, January 19, 2015, bringing a portion of the event into homes via television and live-streaming.
National Recording Artist Jekalyn Carr offers up a musical tribute at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast sponosored by Capitol Broadcasting on Monday, January 19, 2015.
WRAL-TV News Photographer John Cox captures the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast for viewers at home.
National Recording Artist Jekalyn Carr offers up a musical tribute at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast sponosored by Capitol Broadcasting on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Triangle citizens of all ages attend the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast sponosored by Capitol Broadcasting on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Triangle citizens of all ages attend the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast sponosored by Capitol Broadcasting on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Rev. Dr. Dumas Harshaw, Jr. introduces the keynote speaker at the 35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Dr. James H. Johnson, Jr, Professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, provides the keynote address at the annual Marting Luther King, Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast for the 28th time on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Dr. James H. Johnson, Jr, Professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, provides the keynote address at the annual Marting Luther King, Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast for the 28th time on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Dr. James H. Johnson, Jr, Professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, provides the keynote address at the annual Marting Luther King, Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast for the 28th time on Monday, January 19, 2015.
Dr. James H. Johnson, Jr, Professor at UNC-Chapel Hill, provides the keynote address at the annual Marting Luther King, Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast for the 28th time on Monday, January 19, 2015.
James White, Pastor at Christ Our King Community Church in Raleigh offers a few last words and the benediction.