About the Prayer Breakfast
Hosted by the YMCA of Central Florida, the Southwest Orlando Jaycees, and the City of Orlando’s Martin Luther King Commission, the annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast commemorates the legacies of civil rights pioneers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy, Orlando’s first African American City Council Member. Held each year on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day for nearly three decades, this prayer breakfast brings together more than 1,000 civic leaders, pastors, and Central Florida neighbors in faith, prayer, and the shared commitment to strengthen our community and improve lives.
2021 Event Details
The 2021 Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast date, time, and other details will be announced at a later date. Please check back soon!
About Arthur Kennedy
Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy was Orlando’s first African American City Council Member, taking the oath of office in 1973 and serving two terms until 1980. Pappy Kennedy was an advocate of higher education.
He served as organizer of the Orlando Negro Chamber of Commerce, President of the Jones High School Parent-Teacher Association, and was instrumental in the organization of the Orange County Parent-Teacher Council. With the goal of improving his community, he worked with many organizations including Meals on Wheels, the United Negro College Fund, and the NAACP. Although Pappy Kennedy passed away in 2000, his legacy lives on in our Central Florida community and is celebrated each year on Martin Luther King Jr Day.
Prayer Breakfast Recaps
Read more about each of the annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast events that have taken place over the years.
Scholarship Recipients
These scholarships are designed to assist minority high school seniors who are academically motivated and plan to attend an accredited post-secondary institution after graduation.
Southwest Orlando Jaycees Lifetime Achievement Award
Learn about the backgrounds of the recipients that have won this prestigious award.
Valued Partners
Pepsico: Six-year presenting sponsor
YMCA of Central Florida
Southwest Orlando Jaycees
City of Orlando’s Martin Luther King Commission
Dr. Phillips charities
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