ORLANDO, Fla. – Civic leaders, pastors, and people from around Central Florida came together early Monday to celebrate and honor the legacies of Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
First Baptist Church of Orlando hosted the 34th annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast, which holds a significant place in Orlando’s history, as Kennedy was the first African American elected to serve on the city council in 1972.
The event traditionally brings together more than 1,000 people in faith, prayer and the shared commitment to strengthen the community and improve lives.
“Pappy Kennedy was a hero in our community, but he also embraced the principles of Dr. King of non violence,” Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said. “I wouldn’t likely be standing here today (if not for) him being the first elected African American here within this community.”
The prayer breakfast happened through collaboration of the Southwest Orlando Jaycees, Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission and the YMCA of Central Florida.
“When we celebrate this. When we also show our kids why this is important, this helps to keep the memories going. This helps to keep the work going more so than anything else,” YMCA of Central Florida President & CEO Kevin Bolding said.
During the event, organizers continued a tradition of awarding scholarships to local high school students.
The scholarships are designed to assist minority high school seniors who are planning to attend an accredited post-secondary institution in the fall of 2025 but may lack the financial resources to cover the costs associated with tuition and/or books.
“This is the community stepping up once again,” Bolding said. “The community saying we believe in you. We trust you. We know you’re going to do good things with this investment and the kids are so grateful for it.”
For more details about the Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast, click here.
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