- February 22, 2025
Ethel Johnson sang along with the crowd to the National Black Anthem (Photos by Emily Blackwood)
The Tubman-King Praise Dancers: Annie Redd, Ilene Copeland, Dee Rivers and Sharon James
Mayor Ed Kelley called Tina Carlyle back up to the podium to thank her and the rest of the MLK Committee for their hard work.
Isaiah Cook and Andrew Cook patiently waited the start of the ceremony.
Sharon James performed a musical tribute to Dr. King
William Hamm, R'nyga Wright, Wanda Simmons and John Bell
The Tubman-King Praise Dancers performed for the crowd.
Dee Rivers of the Tubman-King Praise Dancers dances down the aisle.
Tina Carlyle gave the opening remarks.
Chit chat and laughter filled the gym at the South Ormond Beach Neighborhood Center Monday morning. With the center's two lots overflowing with cars, one could easily imagine how many voices were echoing during the beginning of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast.
Suddenly, amongst the crowd a soft voice started singing the words to "My God Is Awesome," and everyone fell silent. Tina Carlyle started the ceremony with a song and a message of strength.
"Everyone at the MLK Committee has dealt with a lot of trials and tribulations," she said. "Death, loss, hate and stress, but nothing has stopped us. When you're in the midst of great people, it doesn't matter how much the devil tries to stop you. He cannot stop you."
The annual prayer breakfast was hosted by the City's MLK Committee with support from the South Ormond Neighborhood Center. The Ormond Beach Police Athletic League gave the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Ed Kelley gave the proclamation presentation and Minister Lynn Thompson of Daytona Beach was the guest speaker.
