42nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville & Buncombe County, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) entity, is currently planning for our 42nd annual MLK, Jr. Celebration events. The speakers for the Prayer Breakfast will be mayor Preston Blakely and author Andrew Aydin.

Mayor Preston Blakely – After graduating from Asheville High School, Mayor Blakely received a bachelor of arts degree in political science and African American/ African diaspora studies from University of North Carolina Greensboro. He then received a master of public affairs degree from Western Carolina University. Mayor Blakely was sworn in as a member of the Fletcher City Council in 2019. Two years later he was sworn in as the mayor of Fletcher, NC in December 2021 at the age of 27. Mr. Blakely is the youngest individual to ever hold that elected position. Blakely is a manager with Quality Janitorial Group, a family-owned business.

Andrew Aydin –Mr. Aydin is a best-selling author who has received multiple awards as the creator and co-author of the graphic memoir series, MARCH and RUN, which chronicles the life of Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis. Mr. Aydin served on the staff of the late Rep. John Lewis starting in 2007. A native of Atlanta, Mr. Aydin went on to earn a bachelor of art degree from Trinity College and a master of public policy degree from Georgetown University. Mr. Aydin frequently lectures at schools and universities, as well as participating in reading programs with incarcerated youth.

SCHEDULE

Note: Currently working on the schedule. More events will be posted soon.

Saturday January 14: Prayer Breakfast
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Sunday January 15: Candlelight Ceremony
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Monday January 16, Peace March & Rally
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