On January 17, community members, civic leaders, and students from across the region joined Worcester State University for the 32nd Annual MLK Youth Breakfast, presented by the university’s Office of Multicultural Affairs. The event served as a powerful tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while centering on the theme “Bold Roots and Brave Leaders.” Throughout the morning, speakers and performers challenged the traditional notion of “future leadership,” instead honoring the young people who are actively serving and leading the Worcester community today.
Alongside lively musical performances, youth poetry awards, and inspiring addresses, the multipurpose gym venue was enlivened by a display of handcrafted decorative kites. The kites were the result of collaborative workshops led by Guardians of Traditions founder Vanessa Joga and lead artist Jose Criollo, in partnership with Casita Cultura Latina and Eric Sutman of Technocopia—the recipient of the 2026 Dr. George Storms Community Service Award. Ingeniously constructed from recycled materials such as discarded wood and plastic markers repurposed as propellers, the kites do more than decorate; they honor the bold roots of Inca traditions, serving as a powerful medium for connecting the community with its ancestral heritage.
The program opened with a welcome from Worcester State University President Barry Maloney, who highlighted the university’s enduring commitment to producing graduates who remain deeply rooted in the city. He emphasized that the university’s mission is intertwined with the success and activism of the local community.
A centerpiece of this year’s celebration was the tribute to the late Dr. Edna P. Spencer, the longtime director of diversity and affirmative action at Worcester State. Her niece, Dr. Tracey Hattaway, shared reflections on Dr. Spencer’s life as a pioneering advocate for equity and access in higher education. The tribute reminded attendees that today’s progress stands on the “bold roots” established by trailblazers like Dr. Spencer, whose work paved the way for more inclusive institutions.
The event featured uplifting addresses from several prominent elected officials. State Sen. Robyn Kennedy spoke on the necessity of bold leadership in today’s challenging social landscape, urging young attendees to harness their power and take action. U.S. Rep. James McGovern echoed these sentiments, delivering a passionate call to defend civil and human rights. Invoking the spirit of his former colleague, the late John Lewis, Rep. McGovern encouraged the audience to stand up against injustice and never shy away from getting into “good trouble.”
The morning also showcased the artistic talents of Worcester’s youth. Adael Mejia, the city’s first Youth Poet Laureate, delivered a moving spoken word performance that detailed his family’s experiences as immigrants. His performance set the stage for Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty, who presented awards to the 2026 youth poetry winners from Worcester schools. These young poets were recognized for using their voices to articulate a vision of justice and community service that reflects Dr. King’s “Beloved Community.”
The 32nd Annual MLK Youth Breakfast concluded as a call to action, reminding the Worcester community that the fight for justice is an intergenerational effort—one that requires the bravery of today’s youth and the support of their elders to sustain them.
Mayor Petty presented the MLK Jr. Community Service Award to Liliana Julia Medeiros North High School Class of 2026.
President Maloney presented this year’s Worcester State University MLK Jr. Scholarships to Hazel Friend ’27, an Urban Studies major, and Gaetcheena Cyril ’28, a biology major.
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