45 Years of Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy

The historic Candlelight Service, the annual Peace March & Rally, and the iconic Prayer Breakfast take place January 17-19, 2026. 

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville & Buncombe County will hold its 45th annual celebration honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

Under the theme “Celebrating 45 Years of Resilience—Marching toward the Dream,” this year’s programming features the historic Candlelight Service, the annual Peace March & Rally, and the iconic Prayer Breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Resort.

“For 45 years our community has gathered in love and purpose to honor Dr. King’s legacy and renew our commitment to his dream. More than a celebration of resilience, this anniversary is a reminder that we are the beloved community he imagined and that together we carry the work forward,” said Dr. Oralene Simmons, Founder and Board President.

Featured Speakers

Mike Kelly, Prayer Breakfast Keynote Speaker

Mike Kelly, a North Carolina native and longtime community leader, will serve as keynote speaker for the Prayer Breakfast. As the Founder of Kelly Financial Planning and Managing Partner of Right Path Enterprises, Kelly is known for helping individuals lead with purpose, integrity, and service.

He is a Trustee Emeritus of Mars Hill University and an active Rotarian. Kelly brings decades of leadership experience and a deep commitment to community uplift—values that reflect Dr. King’s vision for justice and collective responsibility.

Mary D. Williams, Candlelight Service Speaker

Mary D. Williams is a renowned gospel singer, historian, and educator who preserves the spiritual traditions of the African American South. Raised in Garner, North Carolina, she grew up immersed in the sacred music of her family and church community.

Williams blends spirituals, freedom songs, and Civil Rights anthems to honor generations of resilience, inviting audiences into a shared experience of history, healing, and hope. Her work embodies the heart of Dr. King’s legacy and the power of music to move us toward justice.

Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Prayer Breakfast

Saturday, January 17, 2026

The breakfast takes place at the Crowne Plaza Resort, 1 Resort Dr. in Asheville. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. The program will begin at 8:30 a.m.

To purchase tickets, please go to mlkasheville.org.

Candlelight Service

Sunday, January 18, 2026

Service begins at 5:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 60 Church Street in Asheville. The 2026 Martin Luther King Jr. Awardees will be recognized for their outstanding service.

Peace March & Rally

Monday, January 19, 2026

Gather for the march beginning at 11:30 a.m. at St. James A.M.E. Church, 44 Hildebrand St. in Asheville.

The march begins at 12:30 p.m. and will travel from St. James A.M.E. Church to Pack Square Park.

The rally takes place from 12:50–1:20 p.m. in Pack Square Park. Please bring a non-perishable food item to support our community food drive.

Sponsors

The MLK Association gratefully acknowledges the generous support of its sponsors, whose contributions make this year’s celebration possible. Platinum Sponsors include the Biltmore Company, Dogwood Health Trust, and the North Carolina Martin Luther King Commission. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) is this year’s Gold Sponsor.

About the Martin Luther King Association of Asheville & Buncombe County

The MLK Association works year-round to honor and advance the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through its Community Outreach Providing Empowerment (COPE) Initiative. Each April, the Association recognizes high-achieving area middle and high school students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, intellect, and community engagement. Scholarship recipients are awarded financial support toward attending the college or university of their choice.

For more information, please visit mlkasheville.org. You may also contact Dr. Oralene Simmons, (828) 777-0284, or [email protected].