Keeping the Legacy Alive Breakfast: A Mother-Son Reflection

In Columbia, South Carolina, Martin Luther King Jr.'s message was brought to life during the annual "Keeping the Legacy Alive" Breakfast, a heartfelt event that not only honored his memory but also underscored his enduring impact on the ongoing fight for social justice and equality. Hosted by the Columbia chapter of the National Urban League, the event served as a powerful reminder of how far we've come and how much further we still need to go to achieve the dreams Dr. King set in motion.

As a mother, the occasion was particularly meaningful to me. My son joined me in attending the event, and it was a moment to reflect on how Dr. King's following biblical principles continue to shape our lives and how we must carry those ideals forward into future generations.

The breakfast, held at a local venue, drew a diverse crowd of community leaders, activists, educators, students, and families—all of whom gathered to reflect Dr. King's vision and honor his legacy. From heartfelt speeches to gospel-inspired musical performances, each element of the morning reflected Dr. King's commitment to justice, equality, and hope.

A central theme of the breakfast was "Keeping the Legacy Alive," and this resonated deeply with the attendees. As we listened to keynote speakers and local leaders share their thoughts on King’s influence, I was reminded that while many of the battles King fought still persist, we must continue to push forward with resilience and unity putting God first.

For my son, the experience was both educational and inspiring. It gave him a tangible connection to the history of civil rights and the importance of community activism. As a young person coming of age in a new generation, he witnessed firsthand how powerful it can be when individuals come together for a common purpose, striving for the values of equality and justice that Dr. King championed.

What truly made the day even more special was the way my son embraced the mission to give in his own way. After breakfast, we met with someone who knew a boy around my son's age who had recently arrived from Kenya to give him some clothes and shoes. It was a simple yet meaningful gesture, one that reflected the compassion, generosity, and sense of community that Dr. King often spoke about. It warmed my heart to see my son, with no prompting, step forward to make a difference in someone else’s life.

After such a fulfilling and meaningful day, I wanted to reward my son for his kindness and thoughtfulness. We finished the day with a trip to Freddy's for some ice cream, a sweet treat to celebrate his generosity, and the lessons learned about empathy and service to others.

It was a small moment of joy, but one that I knew would stay with him as he continued to internalize the lessons of Martin Luther King Jr. and, most of all, the example of Christ Jesus.

This year’s breakfast was also a unique opportunity for my son to learn more about what I do as an entrepreneur. He had expressed an interest in understanding more about my work, and I was thrilled to have him by my side, witnessing the importance of community engagement and the values that drive my business. Once again, he became my photographer and videographer, capturing moments throughout the event with enthusiasm and professionalism. Watching him take on this role with such focus reminded me of the importance of nurturing his curiosity and encouraging him to follow his own passions.

As we closed out the morning with a sense of unity and purpose, I was grateful for the reminder that Dr. King’s work is far from finished. With each new generation, we must reaffirm our commitment to the causes he stood for—education, equality, economic justice, and racial reconciliation. It is not just a privilege, but a responsibility to keep his legacy alive in every action we take, both individually and collectively.

I left the breakfast feeling inspired and hopeful, knowing that my son and so many others will carry the torch forward, determined to build on the dream that Martin Luther King Jr. set forth for us all.

This year's breakfast was a perfect example of how local communities can make a lasting impact, demonstrating the importance of remembering our history while actively working toward a better future.

Photographer: Andrew Matthews