About Us

Committee Purpose

The purpose of the Kettering and Oakwood Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee is to create an event that recognizes and honors the life and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The KO MLK Celebration Committee desires to carry forth his work as a means of encouraging an awakening of the moral conscience of our residents; spreading a vision of a cooperative, unifying society which embraces diversity; and inspiring individual action by encouraging citizens to make a difference where they are.

The KO MLK Celebration Committee recognizes that Dr. King’s dream of equality and peace among mankind is at the cornerstone of the American constitution. The struggle stemmed from a specific time in history, when laws, institutional separation and bias negatively and profoundly impacted African Americans as well as other racial and ethnic minorities. It was a time when the oppression could be withstood no more and Americans joined forces to bring change. Great strides for equality were made due to the efforts of Dr. King, throughout the nation and right here in our own region.

In planning and executing the Breakfast, the KO MLK Celebration Committee places a primary focus on the impact of Dr. King’s life and work on racial and ethnic minorities. In addition, focus is placed on the celebration of the human spirit which says no more and struggles for change to positively impact our world.

The premise of the Breakfast Celebration is that although we have come a long way, we still have a long way to go. The playing field is not level, particularly in the arenas of education, jobs, housing and access to opportunity. However, it is believed that as a society, we may be moving toward a point of racial reconciliation and bridging gaps, particularly among our youth. Our youth may be influenced by different inputs which shape their knowledge and perceptions and thus move all of us closer toward Dr. King’s vision. As influence of our youth increases, the y will begin to shape a new world. It is with this in mind that we seek to reinforce the message and encourage all to continue pursuit of the dream.

Goals

• Focus on racism and discrimination and their impact on our cities and society
• Collaborate and partner with the larger community in an attempt to empower the people of our communities to embrace diversity and appreciate others
• Educate and enlighten by highlighting and focusing on issues that still exist today as well as advances through the efforts of Dr. King
• Encourage use of the MLK Holiday as a time to celebrate and honor Dr. King’s life and work through personal reflection and action

Target

In a drive to build community, the Breakfast targets residents of Kettering and Oakwood of all ages, with a focus on our youth.

Strategies

• To plan and execute a breakfast to be held annually on the day of the designated National King Holiday
• To seek to involve residents from all segments of our communities
• To highlight assets in our community, region, state by including and leveraging talent and resources right here in our area
• To seek to involve businesses, civic/social organizations and faith-based groups

Community Pledge

Dr. King’s legacy calls us to value people who are different. I pledge to honor the dignity and inherent worth of every human being.

Dr. King’s legacy calls us to practice compassion for people. I pledge to oppose injustice, not people.

Dr. King’s legacy calls us to be concerned about the rights of others as we are about our own rights. I pledge to dedicate myself to use my talents and empower others as I empower myself.

Dr. King’s legacy calls us to stand up against injustice and denounce violence. I pledge to consciously practice peace on a daily basis.

Dr. King’s legacy calls us to embrace differences and appreciate the gifts of every human being. I pledge to treat each person that I meet with courtesy, respect and fairness.

Members