The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville & Buncombe County is proud to commemorate 44 years of keeping Dr. King’s dream and legacy alive. This year’s events include the historic Candlelight Service, Peace March & Rally, and the much-anticipated Prayer Breakfast. We are honored to welcome Governor Josh Stein as a special guest during this year’s festivities.

“This year’s events are especially meaningful as we come together to celebrate Dr. King’s dream and reflect on the power of resilience and community in the wake of Hurricane Helene.” said Dr. Oralene Simmons, president of the MLK Association. 

About Our Speakers 

Jonathan McCoy will be our Prayer Breakfast Keynote Speaker. 

Jonathan McCoy, son of Rev. William and Joan McCoy of Durham, NC, grew up attending federal prison services where his father served as chaplain. These experiences deeply influenced his commitment to servant leadership and social justice. A Northern High School graduate, Jonathan attended Mars Hill University on a football scholarship and became its first African American SGA President.

Mayor Preston Blakely will be our historic candlelight service speaker. 

Born in Asheville and raised in Fletcher, Mayor Preston Blakely holds a B.A. in African American & African Diaspora Studies and Political Science from UNC Greensboro and an M.P.A. from Western Carolina University. Appointed to the Statewide Task Force for Racial Equality in Criminal Justice by Governor Roy Cooper, Mayor Blakely exemplifies outstanding public service and leadership.

Schedule of Events: 

Prayer Breakfast Saturday, January 18, 2025 

7:30 AM Crowne Plaza Resort,

1 Resort Dr

Candlelight Service Sunday, January 19, 2025

5:30 PM Trinity Episcopal Church, 

60 Church Street

Peace March and Rally Monday, January 20, 2025 

11:30 AM St. James A.M.E. Church,

44 Hildebrand Street

Peace March starts: 12:30pm from St. James A.M.E. Church to rally at Pack Square Park. 

Sponsors

The MLK Association gratefully acknowledges the generous support of its sponsors, whose contributions make this year’s celebration possible. Our Diamond Level Sponsors include Dogwood Health Trust and Deerfield Charitable Foundation, while our Platinum Level Sponsors are Advent Health and Mission Health. Additionally, we are proud to recognize Biltmore and Givens Communities as our Gold Level Sponsors, and United Way of Asheville Buncombe County and Mountain BizWorks as our Silver Level Sponsors.

About The Martin Luther King Association of Asheville & Buncombe County

The MLK Association of Asheville & Buncombe County works year-round to celebrate Dr. King’s Legacy through its Community Outreach Providing Empowerment (COPE) Initiative. Each April, the MLK Association recognizes high-achieving area middle and high school students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, intellect, and community engagement. Scholarship recipients are awarded funding to attend the university of their choice.