12/18/2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wesley United Methodist Church announces the 44th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast Springfield, MA — The 44th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast—
Western Massachusetts’ longest-running event of its kind—will once again bring the community together to honor Dr. King’s legacy and uplift the next generation of leaders. The celebration will take place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Springfield Marriott, 2 Boland Way.
Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and breakfast will begin promptly at 10:00 a.m.
This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Stefan M. Bradley, the Charles Hamilton Houston ’15
Professor of Black Studies and History at Amherst College. Dr. Bradley is the author of two award-winning books—Upending the Ivory Tower: Civil Rights, Black Power, and the Ivy League and Harlem vs. Columbia University: Black Student Power in the Late 1960s. His latest work If We Don't Get It: A People's History of Ferguson is a rich story with deep relevance for the protests of our own time, this work offers a gripping account of how young activists, without previous political experience, succeeded in changing our national
political narrative.
The breakfast will also feature musical guest David Michael Wyatt, whose velvety falsetto and soulful artistry have captivated audiences since childhood. A graduate of the renowned Berklee College of Music, Wyatt has performed across the globe and shared the stage with icons such as Stevie Wonder, Kelly Price, Dave Hollister, Israel Houghton, Vanessa Bell Armstrong,
Yolanda Adams, Lalah Hathaway, Ledisi, and many others.
Founded more than four decades ago in the gymnasium of Wesley United Methodist Church, the Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast has grown into a cornerstone tradition in Springfield. Over the years, the event has recognized countless outstanding students from
across the region and awarded tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to support their educational journeys.
“Our mission has always been to honor Dr. King’s commitment to education, equality, and opportunity,” organizers said. “Each year, this breakfast brings the community together to celebrate student achievement and invest in the future.” Community members, organizations, and businesses are encouraged to attend or become
sponsors to continue supporting this impactful and enduring legacy.
For sponsorship & ticket Information please contact Wesley United Methodist Church at wesley413.com Phone: 413-734-3233
