We are dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Since its inception, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County has been a beacon of hope and a pillar of strength in our community. By organizing one of the most prominent Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration events in the southeast, we have continually inspired and united individuals from all walks of life. Our programs and initiatives have fostered a profound commitment to social justice, education, and community empowerment, honoring Dr. King’s dream of equality and harmony. Join us in celebrating his legacy and making a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals in Western North Carolina.

Organization

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville & Buncombe County, Inc. is a registered nonprofit organization chartered in the State of North Carolina in the year 2000. The Association has a board of directors comprising no fewer than seven and no more than fifteen individuals, serving rotating three-year terms. The standard number of directors has been nine, three chosen each year for a three-year term.

Reputation

A recognized national leader in promoting and honoring Dr. King’s legacy through annual celebrations and activities.
An established nonprofit organization that enjoys city and county co-sponsorship of special events.
A regional leader in promoting and honoring diversity through programming and activities.
An organization able to leverage funding for annual programs and activities through sponsorships and partnerships.

Our Founder

Dr. Oralene Anderson Graves Simmons

Dr. Oralene Anderson Graves Simmons is an internationally recognized civil rights leader and the visionary founder of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County. A native of Western North Carolina, Dr. Simmons has been a pioneer in the civil rights movement since her school days. Her dedication to equality and justice led her to integrate the traditionally all-white Mars Hill College in 1961, a courageous act that gained worldwide attention.

As the longtime president of the MLK Association, Dr. Simmons has spearheaded initiatives that celebrate and promote Dr. King’s legacy. Under her leadership, the Association has grown to become a leading advocate for social justice and community empowerment in Asheville and beyond. Her efforts have been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious “Making of the King Holiday Award” from the national MLK Commission, presented by Mrs. Coretta Scott King.

Dr. Simmons continues to inspire audiences locally, nationally, and globally with her advocacy for non-violence and her lifelong commitment to civil rights. Her memoir, Journey to Myself, scheduled for publication in 2018, chronicles her remarkable journey and serves as a testament to her enduring impact on the struggle for equality.

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Our History

Our History Celebrating a Legacy of Equality and Justice

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County has been at the forefront of honoring Dr. King’s legacy since 1982. What started as a modest breakfast at the Montford Community Center has evolved into one of the southeast’s most esteemed celebrations, second only to Atlanta’s dinner in attendance. Each year, elected officials, civil rights leaders, journalists, and community members gather to commemorate Dr. King’s teachings of peace, equality, and justice.

Key Milestones

1982

Inaugural Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast held at Montford Community Center.

1997

The Committee, sponsored by Asheville Parks & Recreation, raised $30,000 for a life-size bronze statue at MLK Park.

2000

Event moves to historic Grove Park Inn & Resort, accommodating thousands annually.

2003

Official establishment as a nonprofit organization in North Carolina.

2018

Launch of Buncombe Community Remembrance Project, honoring local victims of racial violence post-Civil War.

2021

Buncombe Community Remembrance Project honored John Humphreys, Bob Brackett, and Hezekiah Rankin with historical marker installations across Asheville.

Community Impact

The Association’s commitment extends beyond annual events. Through initiatives like the Community Outreach Providing Empowerment (COPE) Initiative, educational workshops, and the recognition of community leaders, the MLK Association continues to foster dialogue, promote diversity, and empower residents of Asheville and Buncombe County.

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Standing Committees & Volunteers

The Prayer Breakfast Committee

The Prayer Breakfast Committee plans and organizes the annual event, from identifying speakers to logistics and ticket sales. Members collaborate on catering menus and promotion to ensure a successful celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy.

The Peace March and Rally Committee

Responsible for planning the Peace March and Rally, this committee coordinates speakers, music, and logistics from local churches to City-County Plaza. They facilitate a meaningful event that honors Dr. King’s message of unity and social justice.

The Marketing Committee

The Marketing Committee promotes the Association’s mission through effective communication strategies. They handle press releases, flyers, and digital campaigns to engage the community and attract participants to events that celebrate diversity and leadership.

The Celebration Committee

The Celebration Committee orchestrates public events during Dr. King’s national holiday, offering educational and cultural opportunities. Comprising board members and community stakeholders, they ensure each event reflects Dr. King’s principles and fosters community dialogue and engagement.

The Candlelight Ceremony Committee

This committee oversees the annual Candlelight Ceremony, honoring local leaders for their exceptional community service. Responsibilities include volunteer selection, program development, nomination processes, and event execution, creating a poignant tribute to those who embody Dr. King’s ideals.

The Youth Award Committee

The Youth Award Committee supports young leaders through scholarships and educational programs. They define criteria, review applications, and recommend recipients who demonstrate commitment to Dr. King’s legacy. Their efforts empower youth in Buncombe County to embrace diversity and pursue community leadership roles.