Filmmaker, author chronicling contemporary issues in the U.S. to speak at 2025 MLK breakfast

Kevin Powell; director of "When We Free the World," featuring 70 male voices across five generations and various identities discussing "What is a man?;" will be the speaker at the 2025 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast 8-9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, in the Kennedy Union ballroom (doors open at 7:45 a.m.).

He also is the author of several books, including Open Letters to America after Barack Obama became U.S. president and Barack Obama, Ronald Reagan, and The Ghost of Dr. King featuring essays about issues affecting life in the U.S.

Powell also has toured Japan on behalf of the U.S. state department lecturing on the relevance of King's "I Have A Dream" speech in the 21st century.

The Dayton Jazz Ensemble will return to perform as well. During the breakfast, the University will recognize the University’s MLK Scholars and Dream Keepers, UD faculty and staff exemplifying excellence in leadership and service which embodies King’s philosophy to improve the human experience and advance civil rights.

After the breakfast in the KU ballroom, there will be a wreath-laying ceremony; attendees are invited to stay and others from campus are invited to come for the ceremony that will include a prayer, a recording of a Dr. King speech and symbolic wreath-laying on a replica of a portion of UD's MLK monument.

The schedule is subject to change. Other events may be added. Check here for updates. E-mail mlkevents@udayton.edu with questions.