This year marks the 50th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Brotherhood Celebration Breakfast. (photo courtesy of YMCALA)

The Martin Luther King Jr. Brotherhood Celebration Breakfast has been a YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles tradition for decades. This year marks the 50th annual celebration of King’s life and the movement for social justice and equality that still continues today. The Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation join as partners to bring this special event to Angelenos via a live streamed multimedia event on Jan. 15 at 9 a.m.  This partnership is a powerful union of organizations united in the mission to provide equity programs to underserved communities in Los Angeles.

“In a year where we we’ve seen societal inequities highlighted across the country, we’re honored to be furthering Dr. King’s message of unity and equality for all and being a champion for equity and inclusion throughout Los Angeles,” said Victor Dominquez, executive vice president of YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. “We are grateful to our partners the Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation who share our vision to offer opportunities to even the playing field in underserved communities.”

“Celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King reflects our unwavering commitment to the fight for equality,” said Nichol Whiteman, CEO of the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. “While we have made tremendous strides, our nation operates as two Americas, one where Black people and other marginalized groups are denied the full liberties under the constitution. As we emerge from a year that has stretched our physical and emotional limits, we will continue the fight thanks to leaders like Dave Roberts and Sharon Robinson who fearlessly advocate in charting the path ahead.”

The 2021 honorees include Brotherhood Award recipient L.A. Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts and Jackie Robinson Foundation Vice-Chair Sharon Robinson, who will receive the Human Dignity Award. Stedman Graham, CEO of S. Graham and Associates, is the keynote speaker.

“The Martin Luther King Jr. Brotherhood Celebration Breakfast is a Los Angeles institution, and I’m honored to receive the Brotherhood Award and share the stage with two dear friends and community leaders – Sharon Robinson and Stedman Graham. I’ve long admired The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles’ mission and impact, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to join them in celebrating Dr. King’s legacy in our community and beyond,” Roberts said.

“I am thrilled to be honored during the 50th anniversary MLK celebration alongside our friend and extraordinary team manager, Dave Roberts,” Robinson said. “In the midst of a pandemic and international protests against racial injustice, the Dodgers prevailed bringing us home a World Series Championship and hope.”

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the event will be live-streamed from the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites in downtown Los Angeles.

For more information, visit ymcala.org/mlkcelebration.