Melissa Donovan
Monday morning, over 600 civic leaders, pastors, and Central Florida residents gathered to celebrate the legacies of two iconic figures—Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—at the 34th Annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast. Held in Orlando, the event commemorated the enduring contributions of Kennedy, a trailblazer in Orlando’s history as the city’s first African American council member, elected in 1972.
“Pappy Kennedy is known for breaking the color barrier in our community for Black elected officials and being a voice for all residents he served. We gathered to honor two truly remarkable men, leaders, and trailblazers,” Kevin Bolding, president and CEO of the YMCA of Central Florida said.
Uplifting the Next Generation Through Scholarships
A cornerstone of the event is its commitment to empowering future leaders. Scholarships were awarded to local high school seniors through partnerships with the Southwest Orlando Jaycees, the Orlando Mayor’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, and the YMCA of Central Florida. These scholarships aim to support minority students planning to attend accredited post-secondary institutions in fall 2025 but who may face financial challenges.
“Scholarships are a game changer in opening the doors to higher education, particularly for low-income students who often need support the most,” Dana Mackey, president of the Southwest Orlando Jaycees said. “The Arthur ‘Pappy’ Kennedy Scholarship continues to level the playing field by providing equitable opportunities for those students too often left out or left behind.”
A Keynote Address to Remember
This year’s breakfast featured a compelling keynote speech by Carolyn Fennell, a trailblazer in her own right. As the first woman and longest-serving Black senior staff member at Orlando International Airport and former senior vice president of public affairs and community relations with Greater Orlando, Fennell shared her journey and inspired attendees with her message of resilience, leadership, and community empowerment.
Distinguished Guests and Community Unity
The event welcomed prominent figures, including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, who joined attendees in celebrating the enduring legacies of Kennedy and King. Their presence underscored the collective commitment to fostering equity, opportunity, and community progress.
Honoring the Legacy of Change-Makers
The Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast serves as a powerful reminder of the strides made by leaders like Kennedy and King. It also highlights the ongoing work needed to ensure all individuals, regardless of background, have access to education and opportunities. As attendees left inspired by the stories shared, the event reinforced its mission to honor the past while building a brighter future for Central Florida’s next generation.
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