MLK Unity Breakfast On Jan. 19 In Cherokee County

CANTON, GA — Organizers are putting the final touches on Cherokee County's celebration of diversity and tolerance. The 21st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Northside Hospital-Cherokee Conference Center in Canton.

This year's keynote speaker will be retired Bishop Philip Cousin Sr., a friend and classmate of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Following his election as the 96th bishop of the African Methodist Episcopalian Church, Cousins was dispatched to serve in the Ninth Episcopal District, comprising the state of Alabama.

He also served in the Eleventh Episcopal District, which is made up of Florida and the Bahamas, and the First Episcopal District, which includes Bermuda, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.

His final assignment was the Fourth Episcopal District, which encompasses Eastern Canada, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and South Dakota. While he's retired, he's remained in the spotlight. He offered the prayer in Grant Park when President Barack Obama was first elected as president on Nov. 4, 2008.

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The 2019 theme for the breakfast is "UNITY - The Work Continues." This powerfully reflective and motivational theme is sure to spark relevant and necessary conversations, as the community celebrates and continues the work of Dr. King. The Jan. 19 breakfast will also serve as the time when organizers will introduce the theme to high school seniors for this year's essay topic for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship, which is sponsored by Allen Temple AME Church in Woodstock.

The Unity Breakfast recognizes the legacy of one of America's greatest civil rights icons and draws approximately 500 residents from all racial, political, social and religious backgrounds to promote unity among the citizens of the county. It draws the attendance of representatives from the school district, city and county governments, local business and organizations.

Guests enjoy a complimentary full breakfast as well as dynamic speakers, musical groups, and other performances. The event will also include the presentation of this year's winner of the MLK Unity Award, recognizes the contributions of an individual who has made a positive impact on the community by fostering harmonious racial and cultural relations.

The Northside Hospital Cherokee-Conference Center is located at 1130 Bluffs Parkway in Canton. For more information, contact Cynthia Middleton McClure at mrscdmm@hotmail.com.

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