By Dawn Scotland
The Truth Reporter
The City of Toledo and the University of Toledo, in partnership with the Human Relations Commission (HRC), hosted its annual virtual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration Monday, January 20. This year’s theme “Building Bridges and Breaking Bread” emphasized unity, reflection, and service while honoring Dr. King’s enduring legacy.
The virtual event was broadcast on the City of Toledo’s Facebook, BCAN, and the University of Toledo’s website, and featured speakers:
- Lelia Harris – Founder of Lelia’s Promise
- Skylar Howard – UToledo Undergraduate
- Alexander Raby – Student, Horizon Science Academy
- Bryson Foster – UToledo CCP and Early College Student
- Kylah Griffin – Social Work Student, University of Toledo
- Monita Mungo, PhD – Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Toledo
The video also features remarks from Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, Councilmember Brittany Jones, UT Interim President Schroeder, Chair of The Human Relations Commission Erin Baker and other community leaders.
The master of ceremonies for the event was Gerald Harris of 13ABC News. Performances were given by Friendship Baptist Church Choir, Tahyah’s Dance Studio and JP Dynasty.
The University of Toledo awarded seven 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarships to the following students:
- S’Mya Jones
- Jacob Moore
- Kierra Pope
- Addison Potkanowicz
- Makayla Roberts
- Syncere Scurles
- Walker Zulch
The public was invited to join local officials, neighbors, and friends for a special in-person viewing party of the virtual celebration at the Imagination Station. The event provided an opportunity for the community to come together, reflect on Dr. King’s principles, and celebrate his legacy with others.
Partners of this year’s MLK Day celebration included SAME CAFÉ, Grindhrs Coffee and Community, Cause and Effect Printing, Imagination Station, Toledo Museum of Art and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
The virtual celebration can be viewed on the City of Toledo Facebook page.