Commemorate the legacies of Civil Rights pioneers
ABOUT THE PRAYER BREAKFAST
For over three decades, the Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast has united in prayer Central Florida residents and civic, faith, and business leaders who share an unwavering commitment to strengthening our community and uplifting every individual within it. This distinctive occasion, jointly orchestrated by the Southwest Orlando Jaycees, YMCA of Central Florida, and City of Orlando’s MLK Commission, serves as a resounding tribute to the indelible legacies of Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
ABOUT ARTHUR “PAPPY” KENNEDY
The namesake of the event, Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy, was the inaugural African-American City Council Member in Orlando. Pappy held this position for two consecutive terms, spanning from 1973 to 1980. During his tenure, he dedicated himself to enhancing our community, forging partnerships with various public, nonprofit, grassroots, and private entities, such as Meals on Wheels, the United Negro College Fund, and the NAACP, in order to bring about tangible and enduring transformations. While in office, Pappy also assumed the role of organizer for the Orlando Negro Chamber of Commerce, served as President of the Jones High School Parent-Teacher Association co-founded the Orange County Parent-Teacher Council, and vigorously advocated for equal access to higher education. Even after his term concluded, Pappy remained a tireless champion for the advancement and well-being of our community and all its residents. Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy passed away in 2000, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of community influence. The Annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast pays tribute to his remarkable contributions, serving as a poignant reminder that, through unwavering faith, values, and aspirations, and by showing up, exerting genuine effort, offering what we can, and collaborating with an open heart and an inquisitive mind, we can collectively fortify our community and enhance the lives of everyone who calls Central Florida home.
ABOUT STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
Bestowing student scholarships is a deeply fulfilling and gratifying aspect of the Prayer Breakfast and a commitment to nurturing the potential of our Central Florida youth.
Together, we will grant $2,000 scholarships to local high school seniors, who are set to pursue accredited post-secondary education in the Fall of 2026.
These scholarships are dedicated to deserving students across our community students who demonstrate commendable academic performance, strong leadership abilities, active involvement in community service, and financial need. Click here to apply today!
2026 Event Information
| Date & Time | January 19, 2026 at 7:30 am |
| Registration & Sponsorship | Fill out the form below to sponsor or attend the 2026 Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast. |
| Location | First Orlando 3000 South John Young Pkwy |
2026 Keynote Speaker
Tony Jenkins is the Market President for the Central Florida region where he provides strategic oversight and leads a team in developing business plans to increase and retain membership, enhance brand visibility and coordinate employee engagement.
Tony was instrumental in establishing Florida Blue’s diversity efforts in 2001. Prior to joining Florida Blue, Jenkins served as Director of Diversity for CSX Corporation, the largest rail network in the eastern United States, and he spent 18 years with the Walt Disney World Company in various leadership roles, specializing in Hospitality Management and Human Resources.
Under Tony’s leadership in Central Florida, Florida Blue has been recognized as a Best Place to Work, an Outstanding Diverse Organization and a Corporate Philanthropy honoree.
Tony is an advocate for several causes throughout the Orlando Community. He is the past Chair for United Arts of Central Florida and The Florida Commission on Human Relations. He currently serves on the board of Florida Citrus Sports and he is a Board Trustee at Stetson University. Tony is Chair Elect for the Orlando Economic Partnership board, where he also serves as Chair for their DEI Task Force, engaging Orlando’s business leaders across varied industries.
Tony has been recognized by the Orlando Business Journal as one of Central Florida’s Top 10 Businessmen to Watch and as CEO of the Year. Most recently, he received the publication’s Diversity in Business Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also an i4 Business Magazine Business Leader of the Year recipient. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management from Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Ga.
Tony Jenkins
Featuring Orlando’s City Poet Laureate
Welcome
Sponsorship Opportunities
Support the 35th Annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast and make a lasting impact on our community. By sponsoring this event, you’ll help us award $2,000 scholarships to local high school seniors who are pursuing accredited post-secondary education in Fall 2026. Join us in shaping their future and investing in our community’s success!
Sponsor Today!I have an inquiry about the prayer breakfast
Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Scholarship
The scholarship is designed to assist minority high school seniors who are academically motivated and plan to attend an accredited post-secondary institution after graduation.
Prayer Breakfast Recaps
Read more about each of the annual Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast events that have taken place over the years.
Southwest Orlando Jaycees Lifetime Achievement Award
Learn about the backgrounds of the recipients that have won this prestigious award.
Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Family
Southwest Orlando Jaycees
City of Orlando’s Martin Luther King Jr. Commission