Who: West Virginia University Center for Black Culture and Research and Center for Service and Learning
What: 27th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast and Day of Service
Where: Mountainlair Ballrooms and Christian Help (219 Walnut Street, Morgantown)
When: Monday, Jan. 15 at 8 a.m.
This year’s Unity Breakfast keynote speaker will be Charleston native Crystal Good. Good uses poetry and performance to explore the landscape of Appalachia as a lens into the universe. She is dedicated to growing opportunities and the quality of life for West Virginians with the hope of spreading perseverance of a Mountaineer across America. She is a member of the Affrilachian Poets, the author of “Valley Girl,” and the CEO and founder of Mixxed Media, a mission-driven emerging startup boutique marketing and consulting firm seeking to disrupt the status quo through innovations in media, publishing, government relations and community engagement.
As an advocate, Good has spoken on behalf of many environmental, educational and economic initiatives, including industrial hemp. She also serves as the made-up-but-completely-real office of Social Media Senator for the Digital District of West Virginia. Her platform is to create a digital commons where people can express their ideas and positions on issues facing the state.
The MLK Scholarship Award and the MLK Achievement Award will be presented at the breakfast. The scholarship is awarded annually to a WVU student who demonstrates an active interest and meaningful involvement in areas of human rights, civil rights and social justice. The Achievement Award is given to the nominee from West Virginia who best exemplifies working to fulfil King’s commitment.
Following the Unity Breakfast, volunteers will walk to Christian Help to assist in sorting donations and other daily operations.
-WVU-
ta/1/9/17
CONTACT: Eric Jordan, Center for Black Culture and Research
304.293.3390; eric.jordan@mail.wvu.edu
Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.