The annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Luncheon features a prominent, successful African American keynote speaker and attracts a large crowd from throughout the community. Past speakers have included actors, journalists, judges, authors and Olympians, among others. The luncheon encourages and inspires attendees to continue working for the cause of racial equality, for which Dr. King gave his life.
This year's event featured Dr. Johnetta B. Cole, a distinguished educator and writer in matters of higher education and African culture. Highlights of her career include:

• First female president of Spelman College and past president of Bennett College
• A prolific author and editor as well as the recipient of 64 honorary degrees
• Helped to found one of the first Black studies programs
• Past director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art