MLK 2026 Recap
Keynote Speaker: Donna Barber
Donna Barber has served for more than 30 years as an educator, director, trainer and coach. She’s trained youth, educators and program leaders and founded schools and organizations that develop spirit-led, socially aware, community-minded leaders. As a licensed minister, Donna has served the local church as a worship leader, preacher and Elder, while also serving private and public schools and local non-profits. She holds degrees in Communications and Education and has used them to serve local and national organizations including the Christian Community Development Association, DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative, and The Contingent (formerly The Portland Leadership Foundation), as well as colleges and universities.
Ms. Barber was the founding Head of School for Atlanta Youth Academy in Atlanta, GA and presently serves as Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Voices Project and Acting President of The Voices School for Liberation and Transformation. Donna was the first African American to be elected to and serve as Chair of the David Douglas School Board, in Portland, Oregon. She is an inspiring preacher, mentor and workshop presenter. Her book, “Bread for the Resistance: 40 Devotions for Justice People,” was a Reader’s Choice nominee. Her latest book, “Enough for Today: 40 Reflections for Surviving the Wilderness” is scheduled for release, fall 2025. She currently resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband, Leroy Barber.
2027 Mountaintop Awardees
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Darryl Smith
Community Award
Executive Director, HomeSight
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Tasha Jones
Community Award
Outreach Supervisor, Community Passageways
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Dr. Kendrick Glover
Community Award
Founder and Executive Director, Glover Empower Mentoring (GEM)
The 2027 Co-Hosts
For more than a decade, Seattle’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast has brought together businesses, non-profit organizations, and church communities to celebrate the enduring spiritual legacy of Dr. King. Each year, we honor leaders in education, business, and community service who embody his vision of justice, reconciliation, and transformative love in action.
Founded by Donnie Griffin and Rev. Allen Belton, the MLK Prayer Breakfast was born out of a shared commitment to keep Dr. King’s dream alive in the heart of Seattle. In 2019, they passed the torch to co-chairs, Romanita Hairston and Rev. Harvey Drake, who carried the mission forward with grace and purpose. In 2022, the co-chair mantle transitioned to Rosa Nicole Booker and Mike Davis, who continued to build upon this powerful legacy.
Now, as the movement grows and evolves, Rosa Nicole Booker and Mike Davis will pass the torch to Jenny Elsey and Isiah Anderson, Jr., ushering in a new season of unity, hope, and shared purpose for our city and beyond.
Dr. Jenny Lei Elsey
Dr. Jenny Lei Elsey is a 1.5 generation Taiwanese American immigrant. She has spent over 20 years working in higher education, teaching students about biblical justice, racial reconciliation, and community organizing. She currently works as the Director for Student Belonging and Support Services at Seattle Pacific University. Dr. Elsey also has the privilege of serving as the Cultural Development Lead and Coach for Leadership Center, a global leadership consulting and coaching firm. The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision for the Beloved Community serves as a foundational framework for her approach to the work. As a co-host for the MLK Prayer Breakfast, she hopes to facilitate space for participants to be inspired, challenged, refreshed, and rejuvenated by Dr. King’s legacy so that they can go back into their communities and continue the good work.
Isiah Anderson, Jr.
Isiah Anderson Jr. is a native of Joliet, IL, and came to Seattle in 1984 for a visit, and has been visiting ever since. As the oldest of three, Isiah and his two siblings were raised by their loving mother as a single parent the majority of his life. This would play a major role in his future when he himself would become a single parent as well, successfully raising two sons of his own, Marcus D. Anderson & Jermiral D. Jackson.
Isiah serves as the Recreation Program Coordinator for Citywide Performing Arts and Special Events for the City of Seattle Dept. of Parks and Recreation and Co-Owner/Artistic Director of Acts On Stage Theater. He was also the Teen Development Leader/Educator for the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute after-school Hearts and Minds program from 1990-2009.
As Director of the Parks and Recreation Annual Teen Summer Musicals since 1996, he has created original urban theatrical hits such as Grease “The Way We Do It” in 2004, The Soul of Beauty and the Beast in 2003, The Wiz in 1997, The Wiz “With a Renaissance Swing” in 2002, The Wiz “A Search for Brilliance” in 2017, Peter Pan “My Brother’s Keeper” in 2016, Uncle Willy’s Chocolate Factory in 2005, Snow White and The 7-“Each One Teach One” in 2001, 2015, and 2024 and The Wiz in 2025, just to name a few.
In addition to directing, Isiah is also a member of B.U.I.L.D (Brothers United In Leadership Development), an actor, and well-known national Comedian. He has appeared several times on Black Entertainment Television's BET Comic View and has been a featured performer on Russell Simmons’s Def Jam Comedy Tour.
Isiah credits the unwavering love and support of his family and his life partner, Zakiya Carter, as the foundation that fuels his work and purpose. He gives all praise and glory to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the many blessings he has and continues to receive.
2027 Sponsors
Community Partners
The Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Prayer Breakfast is presented by the MLK Prayer Breakfast Planning Committee, made up of our community partners and ad-hoc members: Acts On Stage, Community Passageways, Olive Crest, Seattle Pacific University, Together for Seattle, Urban Family, Vision House, World Relief, Urban Impact, Caenisha Warren, Rosa Nicole Booker, Michael Davis, Mason Rutledge.