Voorhees University Hosts 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Breakfast
Honoring the Dream. Advancing the Vision.
DENMARK, SC, — Voorhees University will host its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Breakfast on Monday, January 19, 2026, bringing together civic leaders, educators, clergy, alumni, students, and community partners for a meaningful morning of reflection, inspiration, and service.
The 2026 theme, “Honoring the Dream. Advancing the Vision,” reflects Voorhees University’s enduring commitment to academic excellence, leadership development, faith, and social justice—principles that defined the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
President Ronnie Hopkins shared, “At Voorhees University, we believe Dr. King’s dream calls us not only to remembrance, but to action. We are committed to preparing leaders who will serve with purpose, shape their communities, and step boldly into tomorrow.”
The breakfast will begin at 7:45 a.m. in the Leonard E. Dawson Health and Human Resources Center. During the program, seven distinguished community leaders will be honored with the Drum Major for Justice Award, recognizing extraordinary service and leadership within their communities. In addition, there will be two Lifetime Achievement Award recipients recognized for their enduring impact and commitment to service. The 2026 honorees include:
- The Honorable Harold Johnson, Mayor of Denmark
- Dr. Valarie Cave, Superintendent, Allendale County School System
- The Honorable Wilma Edmonds, Mayor of Govan, SC
- Tonya L. James, Educator & Community Activist
- Lenon L. Brooks, Educator, Business Owner, Church and Community Activist
- Constance D. Ferguson, Renowned Civic Activist & Retired Educator
- James Wallace, Lifelong Social Justice & Community Activist
- Bishop Virgin Johnson Jr., Municipal Court Judge and Pastor, and Rev. Dr. Rosemary Griffin, nationally recognized Gospel Choir Director and Ordained Minister, will each receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The program will also feature musical selections from a community choir and a call to service, reinforcing the breakfast’s focus on unity, reflection, and collective responsibility.
This annual gathering reflects Voorhees University’s rich legacy of faith, leadership, and service—embodied in the institution’s guiding mantra, THE NEXT LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE.
Tickets
Tickets are $40 per person or $320 for a table of eight. To purchase tickets or additional information, please contact Dr. Thelma Sojourner at 803.383.4079 or tsojourner@voorhees.edu
