St. Cloud State University will present “Our Community: Dream, Serve, Believe” the 2020 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast and Day of Service, 8-10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at the River’s Edge Convention Center. The breakfast is free and open to the public.
Keynote Speaker
The keynote speaker will be Valerie Jarrett. Valerie Jarrett is a senior advisor to the Obama Foundation and Attn, a Senior Distinguished Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School, and president of the board of When We All Vote. She also serves on the boards of Ariel Investments, 2U, Lyft, the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, and the Economic Club of Chicago. Jarrett was the longest serving senior advisor to President Barack Obama.
She oversaw the Offices of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs and chaired the White House Council on Women and Girls. She championed the creation of equality and opportunity for all Americans, and economically and politically empowering women in the United States and around the world.
Valerie Jarrett is the Keynote speaker at the 2020 Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast and Day of Service Jan. 20 at the River’s Edge Convention Center.
She oversaw the Administration’s advocacy for workplace policies that empower working families, including equal pay, raising the minimum wage, paid leave, paid sick days, workplace flexibility, and affordable childcare, and led the campaigns to reform our criminal justice system, end sexual assault and reduce gun violence.
“I admire Ms. Jarrett most for her unyielding advocacy for equity and opportunities for women, girls and working families. She brilliantly illustrates how to use the power one has to create the community one desires,” said Debra Leigh, St. Cloud State University professor.
Other Activities
During the MLK Breakfast the first responders and veterans who serve the Central Minnesota community will be recognized along with the Dexter R. Stanton Art and Contest Winners. Children in grades K-5 are invited to participate in the King’s Kids room. The King’s Kid room will feature a program designed around intercultural literacy and every child who attends will receive a free book. The children will participate in a community service project designed especially for their age groups. An onsite service project for all attendees will benefit the homeless and others in need in the St. Cloud area.
The MLK Breakfast started in 2012, and has become one of St. Cloud’s signature events. Sponsors include: CentraCare, Granite Equity Partners, Anderson Trucking Company, St. Cloud State University Foundation, the Central Minnesota Community Foundation, Lee and Vicki Morgan, and the City of St. Cloud.
Thanks for the cool look at the event! Remember that this day is “A day ON, not a day off.” #CommunityService #MLKallyear