Charleston Reporter

The YWCA Greater Charleston and the City of Charleston hosted the MLK Breakfast Summit on January 16 at the Charleston Gaillard Center. The event gathered business, civic, and community leaders to honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy. This annual gathering highlights both progress made toward justice and equality and the ongoing work required.

Charleston County School District students shared their reflections on personal connections to Dr. King's vision for a just society. Timothy Ascue of Ascue’s Auto Body and Paint Shop received the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Vision Award for his service and community leadership.

Trevor Saunders, Vice President and General Manager of David J. Joseph, a Nucor Company, delivered the keynote address focusing on this year’s theme, “Until Justice Just Is.” He urged attendees to move beyond ideological discussions of justice towards tangible actions, challenging individuals and organizations to engage actively in the fight for justice and equality.

Members of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce attended this celebration of Dr. King’s work, emphasizing collective efforts in advancing social change. The summit inspired participants to continue striving toward Dr. King’s vision of a beloved community where justice and equality are realities for all.

As Charleston reflects on Dr. King's life and legacy, the MLK Breakfast Summit provides an opportunity to renew commitments toward meaningful progress in justice, understanding, and unity locally and beyond.