Worcester State University recently hosted the 31st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Breakfast, celebrating diversity, community service, and the power of education to transform lives.
The event, organized by the university’s Office of Multicultural Affairs, brought together students, teachers, and administrators from Worcester area schools, members of the local community, city officials, school committee members, and representatives from several local nonprofit organizations.
A highlight of the breakfast was the recognition of student award winners, including poets, artists, and community advocates.
“This event reflects the wonderful community partnership that Worcester State has with this community every year,” President Barry M. Maloney said in his opening remarks. “We have worked together for years to help school children understand the historical importance of Dr. King’s legacy and to celebrate upcoming poets and student leaders. This year’s theme is ‘service,’ and Worcester State University is proud to have a 150-year history of service that is exemplified by today’s breakfast.”
Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty presented the MLK Jr. Youth Service Award to Anthony Barbosa, founder of the American Pyramids clothing line and creator of the Summer Jam Classic, an event that promotes local basketball talent, small businesses, and community organizations. Mayor Petty presented the MLK Community Service Award to Elli Kradetska, North High School Class of 2025 and a refugee from Ukraine, who urged the audience to continue speaking out about ongoing conflicts and tragedies in her native country and around the world, to ensure that all people have access to basic resources and opportunities.
President Maloney presented the Worcester State University MLK Jr. Scholarship to Doaa Mutar ’26, a computer science major, and Jennaeve Pimentel ’27, a nursing major. Maloney also presented the Olivia Rochelle Spencer Memorial Scholarship to Angela Nabakka ’25, a psychology major, and Roy Karanja ’27, a biology major.
“By honoring these young leaders, the MLK Youth Breakfast aims to inspire the next generation to carry on Dr. King’s dream of building a more just and equitable society,” said Laxmi Bissoondial, director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs and chair of the MLK Jr. Youth Breakfast Committee.
In addition to Mayor Petty, community leaders attending the event included state Sen. Robyn Kennedy, Worcester Schools Superintendent Rachael Monarrez, City Councilor Khrystian King, and Worcester School Committee members Sue Mailman and Maureen Binienda.
Sen. Kennedy urged the audience, especially the young people, to continue Dr. King’s legacy of fighting for justice and equity. She quoted his words, “Darkness will not drive out darkness; only light can do that.”
Marina Taylor of the Worcester State University Board of Trustees emphasized the importance of service and continuing Dr. King’s legacy of justice and equity in the community. “Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision for justice and equality was in a clarity of purpose and a steadfast confidence in the power of community, courage, and love to drive meaningful change,” she said. “His work continues to remind us of what is possible when we come together, fueled by hope and determination to create a brighter future for all.”
Representing the Worcester State Foundation board, Melanie Bonsu ’05 shared her personal story of getting involved in Worcester, emphasizing the value of youth mentorship and creating opportunities for young people to succeed.
Bonsu highlighted the importance of lifting up underrepresented voices, serving on boards to strategize and build impactful programs, and directly volunteering to support the community.
She encouraged everyone to think about how they can get involved and give back to the city, not just financially but with their time, talents, and voice, to ensure every person can thrive.
The event closed with the presentation of student poetry awards and an award for a mural, presented to Angelise Samson, a North High School junior.
Samson said the colorful composition, an image of which was displayed on a screen at the event, was initially an assignment for a native Spanish speakers class. She used the assignment as an opportunity to express pride in her Latine culture and heritage. The composition includes elements that represent the strengths and cultural traditions of the Latine community, such as music, food, and symbols such as butterflies, which evoke transformation and renewal. Her main message was to encourage fellow members of her community to embrace their cultural identity, she said.
“At first it was an assignment, but once I started to get into it, it was really more for me and my culture and about Latinos being proud of where they come from,” she said. “It can be hard growing up in America, and you have to try to fit in. But I wanted to show them, you can also be proud and embrace where you’re from, your identity, and your culture.”
Beyond the Classroom
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