Congressman James Clyburn to keynote Battle Creek MLK Community Prayer Brunch

Editor’s note: This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave’s On the Ground Battle Creek series.

BATTLE CREEK, MI — Safeguarding freedom, justice, and democracy is achievable when people unite in love and democracy. This is the meaning behind the theme of this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Community Prayer Brunch, which happens on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Hart Dole Inouye Federal Center.

The theme of this year’s event is Mission Possible II: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way, says J.R. Reynolds, a member of the Community Prayer Brunch Committee.

“This is a time to commemorate the timeless principles Dr. King taught us through his example — beliefs of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility, and service,” Reynolds says. “All of this and more defined Dr. King’s character and empowered his leadership. This prayer brunch commemorates the spirit that empowered his peaceful revolution and enduring legacy.”

The keynote speaker for the event is Congressman James Clyburn, who represents South Carolina’s 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives and is also Chairman of the Democratic Faith Working Group.

“Over the years, Rev. William Wyne, from Second Missionary Baptist Church, has been instrumental in helping the committee identify and then seek out inspiring and engaging speakers for the event,” Reynolds says. “After a spirited conversation about potential speakers, Congressman Clyburn was the clear choice.”

Clyburn has represented the 6th Congressional District since 1993. 

When he came to Congress in 1993, Congressman Clyburn was elected co-president of his freshman class. He was subsequently elected Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Vice Chair, and Chair of the House Democratic Caucus. From 2011 to 2018 and 2023 to March 2024, he served as Assistant Democratic Leader. From 2019 to 2022, he served as House Majority Whip and Chair of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis. Currently, he serves as the Ranking Member on the Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development.

Reynolds says the purpose of the brunch is to bring the community together in fellowship and to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Dr. King.

“It’s also a time to think back and reflect on the timeless principles he demonstrated. Things like beliefs of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility, and service. The message of this year’s prayer brunch parallels the national theme stated by The King Center [The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change] down in Atlanta. It  helps advance Dr. King’s vision by advocating for a world where these values are upheld through peaceful means.”

“Together, we can make this mission possible in 2026 and beyond,” says Michael A. Patton, Brunch Committee member and CEO of the Southwestern Michigan Urban League.

Dr. King visited Battle Creek in 1960 to deliver a Lenten sermon at First United Methodist Church. That powerful visit later inspired numerous activities and events around the city and county, one of which eventually evolved into this community prayer brunch, says Reynolds, who has been involved with the annual Brunch since 2016.

Other members of the Prayer Brunch Committee include: Pastor John Boyd, Earlie Eason, Rev. Julie Elmore, Dr. L.E. Johnson, Lori Kneeland, Tha Par, Maxine Small, Shirley Tuggle, Rev. William Wyne, Tracie Woodford, and Rev. Lorenzo Small.

Small’s church, First Presbyterian Church of Battle Creek, hosted the event the previous two years, until this year’s event at the Federal Center.

During the Brunch, four Spirit of MLK awards will be presented.

”They’ll go to folks who have worked in this community in the same spirit as that of Dr. King — especially as it pertains to Community Action, Education, Leadership, and Social Empowerment,” Reynolds says.

The event has for many years been a hallmark of Battle Creek’s commitment to peace and unity, says Rev. Elmore with Chapel Hill United Methodist Church.

“It’s a blessing that this annual celebration exists, because it serves as a spiritual beacon that helps guide us into the new year,” she says.

One of the hallmarks of this annual event is that it draws people and organizations from all walks of life and all manner of identity, Reynolds says.

”Dr. King taught justice for all during an era fraught with societal oppression and civil unrest. He taught us that as a human race we should embrace one another and seek the good in humanity, regardless of our differences. Together in fellowship and in working to see, really see each other, we can work to make this ‘mission possible’ in 2026 and beyond. This is by no means an easy lift, but I believe it’s something that can become a reality.”

At a time when divisions often feel deep and trust can feel fragile, Reynolds says the Brunch is “an intentional act of coming together. It is a space where citizens, faith leaders, public servants, and community advocates can sit at the same table, share a meal, listen deeply, and renew our shared responsibility to one another. Dr. King taught us that nonviolence is not passive—it is courageous, disciplined, and community-centered. That is the spirit we seek to embody.”

Given the current political climate, Reynolds says the speed with which people are quick to “other” each other is a social and moral poison that serves no one. 

“Our goals and aspirations for this event are to help promote greater social participation in the community and develop increased understanding of one another, as well as promote deeper thinking and perspectives on the mutual challenges facing us. And engage in conversations and dialog on important matters in a way people might be able to receive, despite the inevitable disagreements. But social and economic matters are complex. King knew that. He also knew they were often polarizing and could be exhausting. In attempts to discuss or address them, feelings of frustration, anger, fear, and helplessness often bubble to the top. But even with all that, Dr. King held out hope for a better tomorrow. I share his vision for social and economic freedom, as well as compassion for those different from ourselves.”

Tickets are $45 and available at Second Missionary Baptist Church (269.963.4640), Southwestern Michigan Urban League (269.962.5553), and select event committee member churches.

For more information on the Battle Creek MLK Community Prayer Brunch, call or text J.R. Reynolds: 856.210.3616.