MLK Community Breakfast 2025

Congratulations to the award recipients at this year’s 31st Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Breakfast hosted by the Phoenixville Area Social Concerns Committee! This event continues to bring the community together to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and the values of justice, compassion and unity. 

The mission of the Social Concerns Committee is to promote community and racial harmony throughout the Greater Phoenixville area in the spirit of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through direct action and relevant events. 

Held at First United Methodist Church, this year’s gathering recognized student winners of the annual Martin Luther King Expression Contest who submitted original essays, poems, art, music, or video on the theme “What Can Individuals Do When Social Justice Is Threatened?” 

Selection was difficult due to the many heartfelt and thoughtful submissions. However, final selections were made and Phoenixville Mayor Peter Urscheler presented awards to: 

• Elementary School - Elias Mickle Wright, Barkley Elementary School 

• Middle School - Austin Boggs, Renaissance Academy 

• High School - Jacob Munz, Kimberton Waldorf School 

• Rising Star - Remy Miller, Kindergarten at Phoenixville Area Early Learning Center 

Additionally, the community nominates individuals and organizations to receive acknowledgement of their demonstrated commitment to the values of Dr. King. This year, Greg Smith, MSW, received the Emma Valenteen “Award of Compassion”, Rosa Davila received the Ruby Amour “Love Thy Neighbor Award” and Rep. Paul Friel presented Archdeacon Dennis Coleman the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Humanitarian Award”. 

Musical selections were performed by Crescendo Kids, and a message of gratitude for the day and the shared meal was offered by Tish Jones. Dennis Coleman provided moving reflections and remarks on social justice from his years of working with vulnerable neighbors saying, “It’s never been them versus us; there is no them, only us.” 

The event wrapped up with Rev. Mark Young leading the attendees in a Community Affirmation in support of social justice that was created by Diversity In Action in 2017 and the singing of the Black national anthem, Lift Every Voice and Sing. 

To learn more about the award winners and the Phoenixville Area Social Concern Committee, please visit phxsocialconcerns.org.