For the 37th year New Haven county and beyond celebrated The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday, this year online with two social justice advocates: Mr. Chris Wilson, author of The Master Plan: My Journey from Life in Prison to a Life of Purpose, and Mr. Melvin Wilson, founder of Baltimore's Turnaround Tuesdays. This year's speakers, actively involved in advocating for social justice, added a new voice to our community and provided a way for the community to support those in need.  The event was hosted by News 8's anchor Keith Kountz and Deborah Rogala, Director of Program Operations for Community Partners in Action.

Proceeds from this event are supporting the efforts of those working to keep everyone healthy and safe:  Branford Counseling and Community Services, the Community Dining Room, Feed Branford Kids, the Energy Assistance Program and scholarships.

The Community Dining Room continues to provide nutritious meals to individuals and families along the shoreline; Feed Branford Kids is providing food on the weekends for children who would otherwise go hungry delivering once again to Branford elementary schools as well as from their warehouse one night a week, 21 Business Park Drive. Branford's Energy Assistance programs help the needy with their fuel bills, and the Branford Counseling Center helps Branford's most compromised residents with their struggles to meet their basic needs.

Major sponsors included the Branford Community Foundation, the Branford Rotary, St. Stephens AME Zion Church, First Congregational Church of Branford, and over one hundred individuals from all over Connecticut.  The event with Chris Wilson and Melvin Wilson can be viewed on line through Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MLKBreakfastCommittee) or BCTV, Channel 18 or 1070 on Comcast Xfinity, or Channel 6004 on Frontier Vantage or by viewing the program from BCTV's website, https://vimeopro.com/branfordtv/public-service-religion/video/683134444

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Heritage Foundation was recently formed to carry on the annual MLK birthday celebration and its mission throughout the year, including scholarships for black, brown and indigene high school graduates and those in college who can provide proof of need. The Foundation's mission is to advocate for social justice with actions that promote equality, integrity and respect against unjust systems of oppression and racism.

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