Brown Coalition to Host Community Prayer Breakfast Commemorating Historic Civil Rights Milestones

The 70th Anniversary Brown Coalition invites the public to join in commemorating the 70th anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education court decision at an interfaith community prayer breakfast being held Saturday, Oct. 28, at 10 a.m. The event, featuring a powerful keynote address, performances by the Love & Justice Community Choir and more, will take place at the Maner Conference Centre’s Sunflower Ballroom in Topeka, 1717 S.W. Topeka Blvd.

October holds special significance, as it marks the month in 1952 when the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear all five school desegregation cases collectively. This historic moment was pivotal in demonstrating school segregation was not solely a Southern issue but a national one. The Brown Coalition envisions the community prayer breakfast as an opportunity to come together to reflect on the civil rights progress made and to recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for justice and equality.

“At its core, this event is about unity, perseverance and justice,” said Glenda Washington, chief equity and opportunity officer for the Greater Topeka Partnership and chair of the Brown Coalition. “It’s also a celebration of how far we’ve come as a community and country, and a testament to the work we have left to do. I hope many in the Topeka area will show up to celebrate and reflect with us, as we look ahead to the 70th anniversary of the Brown v. Board decision coming up in May 2024. This event will be one of many ways we recognize the occasion.”

Serving as keynote speaker for the momentous prayer breakfast is the renowned Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III. A third-generation warrior for civil and human rights, Dr. Moss has built his ministry on community advancement and racial and social justice activism. As senior pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois, since 2008, Dr. Moss routinely preaches in ways that call attention to problems of mass incarceration, environmental justice, and economic inequality. His 5th book, Dancing in the Darkness: Spiritual Lessons for Thriving in Turbulent Times, has been lauded as a “life affirming guide to the practical, political, and spiritual challenges of our day.” In addition to being a distinguished pastor and author, Moss is a frequent contributor on CNN, MSNBC, ABC, and more, and is also a celebrated filmmaker, with his work including the film short OTIS' DREAM, which focuses on the importance of voting rights. This powerful film has received numerous national and international awards and been featured by Oprah Winfrey.

The Brown Coalition encourages all members of the public to join for this meaningful celebration of the five school desegregation cases, recognizing the vital role of faith communities in advancing civil rights in America. For more information about the 70th Anniversary Brown Coalition and this month’s prayer breakfast, visit www.70thanniversarybrowncoalition.org. More information about the Love & Justice Community Choir may also be found on that site, along with information about signing up to participate in the choir. Thanks to generous donations from sponsors, tickets for the prayer breakfast are just $20 each.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: Maner Conference Centre, Sunflower Ballroom in Topeka