Murfreesboro NAACP Branch Successfully Hosts Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast, Honors Local Heroes and First Responders

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dominique Fields, Press and Publicity Chair

NAACP - Murfreesboro Branch 5605-B

MURFREESBORO, TN (January 22, 2026) — The NAACP Murfreesboro Branch successfully hosted its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast on Saturday, January 17, 2026, bringing together community leaders, civic organizations, and residents to honor the life, legacy, and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event took place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the James Union Building on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University, located at 516 Alma Mater Drive.

This year's breakfast celebration served as a powerful reminder of Dr. King's enduring message of justice, unity, and service—principles that continue to guide the Murfreesboro community toward positive change and social progress. The morning program featured inspiring guest speakers, uplifting musical performances, and special recognitions that highlighted exceptional community leadership and civic engagement throughout Rutherford County.

The Murfreesboro NAACP Branch extended heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished guest speakers who shared powerful messages of hope and unity: C.J. Johnson of Zion Christian Ministries, Taylor Kennedy-Overton of Faith Chapel Murfreesboro, Dr. Vincent Windrow of Olive Branch Church, and James McCarroll of First Baptist Church Murfreesboro. Their inspiring words reminded attendees of the continued relevance of Dr. King's vision in today's world.

Two prestigious honors were presented during the event. The Jerry Anderson Hero Award, named in memory of Jerry Anderson, a Murfreesboro resident who died in 1989 while saving two boys from drowning in the Stones River, recognizes individuals who demonstrate extraordinary courage and compassion in serving their community. This year's recipients were the Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Department, Sheriff Deputy Ali Albouhamed - SRO Division, and Officer Dustin Nicholson of the Murfreesboro Police Department. Their bravery and dedication to protecting the lives of Rutherford County residents exemplify the selfless service that the award honors.

The NAACP Humanitarian Award was also presented to individuals whose dedication to civil rights, social justice, and community service exemplifies the principles that Dr. King championed throughout his life. Those individuals were Clyde Gresham and Cassandra Benford.

The success of this meaningful community event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors who share the NAACP's commitment to honoring Dr. King's legacy. The Murfreesboro NAACP Branch extends sincere appreciation to: Nissan, Magnificent Design, Romel McCurry - County Commissioner District 19, Berry Chapel AME Church, Senator Shane Reeves, First Baptist Church Murfreesboro, Rutherford County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., YAGY Coffee, Asheia Speaks, UltraLux Salon and Spa, DScpa, Next Step Solutions, Nelson & Sons, Sheila Wallace Realtor, Gibson Consulting & Entertainment Group, and Junior League of Murfreesboro. Their investment in this celebration strengthened community bonds and supported the NAACP's ongoing mission.

The breakfast provided an essential opportunity for the Murfreesboro community to come together in remembrance and recommitment to the values Dr. King embodied. As communities across the nation observed Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend, the event bridged past achievements with present-day action, inspiring continued progress toward Dr. King's dream of an equitable society.

For additional information about the Murfreesboro NAACP Branch's programs and initiatives, please contact The NAACP Murfreesboro Branch at www.naacpmurfreesboro.org/ or email boronaacp@gmail.com.

See more of the MLK Breakfast HERE (Photo Credit: Matt Ferry).

About the NAACP Murfreesboro Branch

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st-century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.