By Macy Meinhardt, Voice & Viewpoint Staff Writer
Fifty-five years after his death, the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. has proven to be a monumental call for celebration and remembrance within the community of San Diego.
Kicking off the holiday for the 39th year, the Jackie Robinson YMCA breakfast drew a crowd of 1,200 San Diegan leaders and residents to commemorate the late civil rights leader last Friday morning.
As the sun rose upon the San Diego Convention Center, Ballroom 6 buzzed with community connection, chatter, hugs, laughter, and fellowship.
Natay Holmes, Channel KGTV ABC 10, served as the event’s emcee. Holmes welcomed the audience warmly, emphasizing the intent of this occasion and unmistakable pride for the turnout in keeping MLK Jr’s dream alive.
The Heart Beat Youth Music Academy opened the event with a dazzling display, followed by the Buffalo Soldiers’ presentation of the colors and an MLK Jr. Community choir performance of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing.’
When contemplating the importance of continuing honoring and celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Dee Sanford, Event Chair, Dee Sanford writes, “It is a legitimate question,” and it “begs an answer.”
“Frankly, I have become concerned that Dr. King’s life, contributions, and sacrifices have become diminished and underestimated over time,” said Sanford, in the program book to audience members.
Yet, despite society’s notable evolution since Dr. King’s death, the two honorees of the event have proven to be pillars of keeping King’s dream alive in many San Diegans today—Dr. Cecil Steppe and Dr. Kathleen Harmon.
The two individuals were announced as the 2024 Martin Luther King Jr. Human Dignitary Award Receipts–an admiral recognition for continuing King’s principles and ideals in philosophy and action in the community.
Dr. Kathleen Harmon is honored as a virtuous woman who has worked tirelessly to unite the community and stand behind impactful movements. Throughout her time in San Diego, she has served the roles of nurse, social worker, and community activist. In addition, she is the founder of San Diego Peace Coalition and San Diego Democratic Delegate.
The second award honoree was Dr. Cecil Steppe, 90, who has dedicated 35 years working for the county, ranging from youth and family work to violence and injury prevention. In addition, he served as the President and CEO of the Urban League of San Diego County.
Meanwhile, the keynote speaker, Pastor Nate Stewart, gave a powerful speech to audience members, encouraging the virtues of volunteership, community, and celebration of diverse unity—notable attributes Dr. King embodied.
“Look at the diversity in the room; I am so impressed.” Pastor Stewart exclaimed. “We’re multicultural, multi-generational in this room today, and that speaks to unity.”
Stewart is the Senior Pastor of the Greater Life Church congregation in Emerald Hills and was awarded 2019 Pastor of the Year in San Diego. During his time on stage, he compelled audience members to engage in a powerful display of unison, with everyone simultaneously chanting Leadership, Accountability, and Unity.
Furthermore, noblely honored for her unwavering commitment to the annual Breakfast was Event Chair Dee Sanford, who has led the event for the past twenty-five years.
As she humbly accepted, she rounded out the event with a sentiment for audience members to chew and reflect on as they left to continue their day.
“The struggle continues. We as people of color—there’s a lot of people of color— are still not treated fairly, and everybody knows it. It’s not a best-kept secret”.
As we have covered, Black individuals are overrepresented in sectors such as Hate Crimes, homelessness, health mortality, jails, racial profiling, and many more.
“So think about that issue. Think about the sacrifices you might have never known about in Dr. King’s life, but many of us in this room are benefiting from the Civil Rights Era.” Sanford expressed.
Therefore, she said, what remains in this generation is the responsibility to keep leadership, accountability, and unity alive and vibrant. To display this commitment, audience members were directed to recite the Living the Dream Pledge.
“In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, his life everywhere, I do everything I can to make America and the world a place where equality, justice, freedom, and peace will grow and flourish” the crowd said together.
Reverend John E. Warren finalized the ceremony with a benediction, which was followed by all the audience members joining hands to sing “We Shall Overcome.”
“Oh, deep in my heart
I know that I do believe
We shall overcome, someday.”
