E. Dewey Smith to speak at H.E.A.R.T. King Day Breakfast

ALBANY— A cornerstone of southwest Georgia’s civil rights commemorations returns this January as the H.E.A.R.T. (Hands Extended Across Reaching Together) Organization and Procter & Gamble Albany present the 46th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Breakfast. The event is scheduled for Jan. 19 at 7:30 a.m..

Continuing a proud tradition of community and faith, the program will once again be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. This year’s program is headlined by keynote speaker E. Dewey Smith Jr., the senior pastor of The House of Hope and a globally recognized speaker, author, and musician.

For nearly a half-century, the King Day Breakfast has served as Albany’s premier “Day On” celebration.

“The HEART Organization is deeply honored to once again gather our community to reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” Anne “AJ” Johnson, the president/CEO of HEART Organization Inc., said in a news release “To have a voice like Dr. Smith’s in Albany for our 46th year is a testament to the enduring strength of our community. This program is not just a breakfast; it is a call to action.”

The program will be guided by Master of Ceremonies Orson Burton, the president and CEO of the United Way of Southwest Georgia. A Morehouse College graduate and member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Burton will lead an agenda that includes official greetings from the mayor of Albany and the chairman of the Dougherty County Commission.

The morning’s activities will be further elevated by a stirring musical tribute led by J. Nathan Paige and the MLK Mass Choir, featuring special guest vocalist and “Dialogue” host Karla Heath-Sands. This communitywide ensemble honors King’s legacy through the power of song and welcomes all local vocalists to participate. Rehearsals are scheduled for Jan. 12 and 15 at 7 p.m. at Victorious Life Church, 201 N. Carroll Street. To register, citizens can simply text ‘MLK choir’ to (833) 223-7813.

This program is a complimentary gift to the community, made possible through the powerful partnership between the HEART Organization and P&G Albany, which has served as the program’s sole sponsor since 1989. The event is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required for admission. Given the profound significance of honoring King’s legacy and the high anticipation for Smith’s address, community members are encouraged to arrive early to share in this momentous occasion.

Event Details:

• What: 46th Annual MLK Commemorative Program Breakfast
• When: Jan. 19 | 7:30 a.m.
• Where: Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 901 S. Westover Blvd, Albany
• Cost: Free and Open to the Public