By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times
Birmingham on Monday hosted the 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast at New Rising Star Baptist Church, bringing together community members, educators, and students for a morning of reflection, dialogue, and inspiration.
This year’s theme, “Putting It Back Into Perspective: Leading Transformation Through Education” centered on the importance of investing in youth, emphasized education as a cornerstone of Dr. King’s legacy and underscored the need for young people to help address challenges to build stronger communities.
“I believe that we are honoring a man today, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., that so many people unfortunately would not have had the courage to participate in the movement had we been alive at that time,” said Dr. Thomas Beavers, senior pastor of The Star Church. “As injustices arise in our society and this world, I’m praying that people will have the courage to participate.”
Following breakfast, a panel discussion by organizers Community Affairs Committee (CAC) featured education leaders and students centered on the theme, “Putting It Back Into Perspective: Leading Transformation Through Education.”
At the center of the program was a panel discussion featuring education leaders from Birmingham; Jefferson County; Midfield and Miles College.
“Our children are the dream,” said Shun Williams, Ed.D., Midfield City Schools Superintendent. “Transformation happens every day when students walk into our classrooms, regardless of where they come from.”
Drawing from her personal story, Williams explained how relationships are central to leadership. “So many of the things our students deal with, I’ve lived through. That connection helps me serve them as a transformational leader.”
Jefferson County Superintendent Walter Gonsoulin, Ed.D., highlighted workforce readiness and the importance of belief and investment in students.
“We have students who can graduate immediately after completing these courses and walk straight into jobs with companies like Honda and Mercedes,” he said. “But what we have to do is make sure they have what they need when they leave us. That’s the key.”
He emphasized understanding students’ individual needs, adding, “We have to understand who we serve in order to serve them well.”
Mark Sullivan, Ed.D., Birmingham City Schools superintendent, reflected on the journey through the 2020 pandemic and its recovery.
“This isn’t about going to school just to go to school,” he said. “This is about meeting students where they are and providing the enrichment and interventions so every student can be successful.”
He also stressed equity and opportunity across the district. “It’s about changing lives. It’s about providing opportunities,” Sullivan said, pointing to programs such as early college pathways, career academies, and newcomer centers for immigrant students. “Every student—whether you come from Birmingham or Honduras—is going to be successful.”
Tonya Perry, Ed.d, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Miles College, emphasized the power of unity and innovation. “The power of community is what has always carried us through,” she said. “When we stay together and invest in our students, we create a better tomorrow.”
Student speaker Alethea Collins of Lawson State Community College delivered a heartfelt message about perseverance, balance, and community engagement. “Nothing happens overnight,” Collins said. “If it does, it’s usually not worth having.”
She encouraged students to seek support and build connections. “Everyone around you wants to see you be successful,” she said. “You just have to reach out.”
The breakfast concluded with a student-led Q&A session featuring Birmingham City Schools students, reinforcing the event’s focus on youth voice and leadership.
The program also paused to remember Aaron Carlton, CAC former Executive Director of the Community Affairs Committee, who passed away last year. Carlton was recognized for his years of dedicated service and leadership, which helped shape the Unity Breakfast into a cornerstone event focused on education, equity, and community engagement.
