Author, teacher and Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing Executive Director Catherine Meeks will serve as the keynote speaker for the Unity Group of Chattanooga's 50th Annual MLK Week Prayer Breakfast.
"A much sough-after teacher and workshop leader," Meeks brings with her four decades of experience in "transforming the dismantling racism work in Atlanta," according to a Wednesday news release from the Unity Group.
"The core of her work has been with people who have been marginalized because of economic status, race, gender or physical ability as they pursue liberation, justice and access to resources that can help lead them to health, wellness and a more abundant life."
Prior to the opening of the Absalom Jones center, Meeks served as chairwoman of its precursor, the Commission for Dismantling Racism for the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, known as the Beloved Community.
Meeks holds a master's degree in social work from Clark Atlanta University and a Ph.D. from Emory University. She the retired Clara Carter Acree Distinguished Professor of Socio-Cultural Studies from Wesleyan College and Founding Executive Director of the Lane Center for Community Engagement and Service. She is also the author of six books.
This year's MLK Week Prayer Breakfast will be held at 9 a.m. on Jan. 18 the Greater Tucker Baptist Church at 1115 N. Moore Road. Donations of $25 for individual tickets or $250 for reserved tables are requested to help cover event and operational expenses. Tickets may be purchased online at bit.ly/364uBTG or by calling 423-364-0351.
The breakfast is among hundreds of events across the country celebrating the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., who lived and died trying to end racial segregation.