45th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration

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The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville & Buncombe County invites the community to join us for its 45th annual celebration honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Under the theme “Celebrating 45 Years of Resilience – Marching Toward the Dream,” this year’s programming features the historic Candlelight Service, the annual Peace March & Rally, and the iconic Prayer Breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Resort.

“For 45 years our community has gathered in love and purpose to honor Dr. King’s legacy and renew our commitment to his dream. This anniversary is more than a celebration of resilience, it is a reminder that we are the beloved community he imagined and that together we carry the work forward,” said Dr. Oralene Simmons, Founder and Board President.

Featured Speakers

Prayer Breakfast Keynote Speaker: Mike Kelly

Mike Kelly, a North Carolina native and longtime community leader, will serve as keynote speaker for the Prayer Breakfast. As the Founder of Kelly Financial Planning and Managing Partner of Right Path Enterprises, Kelly is known for helping individuals lead with purpose, integrity, and service. He is a Trustee Emeritus of Mars Hill University and an active Rotarian. Kelly brings decades of leadership experience and a deep commitment to community uplift — values that reflect Dr. King’s vision for justice and collective responsibility.

Candlelight Service Speaker: Mary D. Williams

Mary D. Williams is a renowned gospel singer, historian, and educator who preserves the spiritual traditions of the African American South. Raised in Garner, North Carolina, she grew up immersed in the sacred music of her family and church community. Williams blends spirituals, freedom songs, and Civil Rights anthems to honor generations of resilience, inviting audiences into a shared experience of history, healing, and hope. Her work embodies the heart of Dr. King’s legacy and the power of music to move us toward justice.