Anniston, AL – The City of Anniston will host its Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast & Youth Participation Day on Monday, January 19, 2026, bringing together community members, students, and local leaders to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr..
The event will begin at 9:00 a.m. CT at the Anniston City Meeting Center, located at 1615 Noble Street.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Ashton Hall, the mayor of Talladega. A Talladega native, Hall was elected mayor in September 2023 at the age of 22, becoming the youngest mayor in the city’s history. His address is expected to focus on leadership, civic engagement, and the role of young people in shaping their communities.
The annual breakfast is designed to honor Dr. King’s commitment to unity, service, and nonviolence while highlighting youth involvement. The program will feature performances by local students, including dance, poetry, and other artistic expressions. Students from all city and county schools are encouraged to attend and participate.
As part of Youth Participation Day, the school with the largest student turnout will receive a special award. Students may sign in on-site on the day of the event or pre-register online through the City of Anniston’s official website.
The event is supported by several community partners and sponsors, including the Calhoun County Commission, State Rep. Barbara Bigsby Boyd, Pandora’s Art & Social Club, the Iota Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Pan-Hellenic Council of Calhoun County, the Alumni Chapter of Zeta Mu Sigma Fraternity, Eastman, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Eastman, and the Calhoun County Area Chamber & Visitors Center.
City officials note that the annual observance serves as both a remembrance of Dr. King’s legacy and an opportunity to encourage continued community involvement among Anniston’s youth.
