Human rights breakfast to focus on progression of civil rights throughout time
The Latah County Human Rights Task Force’s 22nd annual Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Breakfast will feature guest speaker Robert Butler, who is president of the National Association of Black Journalists and has had years of journalism experience covering civil rights issues.
Photo courtesy of the Latah County Human Rights Task Force
Butler will meet with community members and give a speech titled “Civil Rights: Where Are We Now? Where Are We Going?” The message of this presentation focuses on the theme of the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.
The breakfast will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday in the multi-purpose room of Moscow Middle School. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children and students — including college students. Joann Muneta, chair of the Latah County Human Rights Task Force, said she estimates about 200 or 250 attendees and tickets for this event are usually sold out.
Photo courtesy of the Latah County Human RIghts Task Force
Last year’s speaker, Evergreen State College President Les Purce
Muneta said she thinks there’s community-wide concern about the recent events in Ferguson, Missouri, regarding the death of Michael Brown — among other similar issues — and thinks these topics will be on the minds of attendees.
“We started off thinking we were celebrating the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Civil Rights Act, and we are, but he’s talking about where we come from and where we’re going, so I think that will somewhat address the current situation,” she said.
Muneta said each year’s MLK community breakfast is a little different, but always inspiring.
“It always brings people of different ages together to conserve the ideals of Martin Luther King, she said. “Some people say they look forward to it all year.”
The breakfast will also feature an awards ceremony for winners of the Martin Luther King Jr. Art and Essay Contest, which is a collaborative effort among many organizations at the University of Idaho.
“The mayor will be giving those awards, and we read some excerpts of the winning essays and we put up the winning pictures, so it’s always heartwarming,” she said. “It means a lot to have young people involved, from first grade all through high school.”
Leathia Botello, coordinator for UI’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, said she’s happy to work for an institution that partners with other organizations to put on meaningful events.
“I think it’s a great way to get the university connected with the community,” she said.
Botello said she recommended getting tickets ahead of time, and getting to the event early to get a good seat.
Photo courtesy of UI’s Office of Multicultural Affairs
Evergreen State College President Les Purce and former University of Idaho Interim President Don Burnett during last year’s events
The breakfast is one of several events related MLK Day over the next week. Other events include a reading of King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, a documentary screening and a day of service.
Muneta said participants would not need to make any particular preparations for the breakfast, but should come with open minds and hearts.
“Be prepared to meet new people, and to hear some new ideas and to celebrate, as I said, the ideals of Martin Luther King,” she said. “His thoughts and his actions in nonviolence and his spreading love are always relevant. I think people will enjoy it wherever they come from in their lives.”
Daphne Jackson can be reached at [email protected]