At a moment when many seek connection and shared purpose, the Cambridge NAACP’s 39th Annual MLK Brunch provided just that—a space for neighbors to gather in community under the theme “Facing the Storm: Courage for the Next Chapter.” The speakers called for courage, resilience, and steadfast dedication to progress during challenging times.
This year’s theme, “Facing the Storm: Courage for the Next Chapter,” resonated deeply with attendees as speakers emphasized the need for courage, resilience, and steadfast dedication to progress during challenging times.
“We find ourselves in an unprecedented moment, with an emboldened white supremacy, a weaponized Supreme Court, a hostile administration, efforts to dismantle diversity, equity, inclusion,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, who delivered powerful remarks. “This is anti-blackness on steroids. And so what is the antidote? We will be pro-black.”
Congresswoman Pressley reminded attendees that “freedom is never really won. You earn it and you win it in every generation,” emphasizing that “we have to fight for freedom in every generation.”
Community Leaders Honored
The event recognized several community changemakers, including Kyrk Morris, founder and director of Citizens of the World, Thomas Lucey, director of community relations for Harvard University, Sherley Bretous, executive director of the Benjamin Banneker Charter School, and Steve Welch, founder of Oggi Gourmet.
Morris was the fourth recipient of CCF’s Imagined in Cambridge! Social Innovation Award to be recognized by the NAACP for their community leadership. He has had significant impact on young people through his HBCU Tour and Expo program. Born from seeing too many young people of color not finishing college and getting caught in cycles of poverty, Morris reflected on his own experience as a Howard University graduate to create opportunities for Cambridge youth to explore paths to Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
“Gandhi said the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service of others,” Morris shared in his acceptance speech, describing how the HBCU Tour grew from his commitment to serving Cambridge youth. This April will mark the fourth group of students Citizens of the World will take on tour, extending as far as New Orleans this year.
A Call to Action
Cambridge City Councilor Ayesha Wilson presented a city resolution recognizing the NAACP Cambridge Branch’s longtime commitment to civil rights, racial justice, and equality. Wilson emphasized that “local government is the heart of American democracy and is an institution that is more crucial now than ever.”
Tanisha Sullivan, President of the New England Area Conference NAACP, closed with a stirring call to action, reminding attendees that courage has been a defining quality of the movement through generations.
“Be on your guard, stand firm in the faith, be courageous, be strong, do everything in love,” Sullivan quoted from scripture, encouraging continued commitment to justice and equality.
Cambridge Community Foundation’s Connection
The Cambridge NAACP continues its vital work advocating for civil rights, equity in education, and inclusive community development—values that align with CCF’s commitment to a Cambridge where everyone belongs. We were honored to be counted among the event sponsors.
As a supporter of Morris’s work through our Imagined in Cambridge! Social Innovation Award as well as the Community Fund, we recognize the importance of grassroots solutions that address systemic issues in our community and build social cohesion across neighborhoods and sectors.
Photo: Kyrk Morris with Cambridge NAACP President and First VP Kenneth Reeves and Richard Harding.
