Virginia Union University Marks 160th Anniversary at the 46th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Breakfast Featuring Keynote Speaker Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan

January 10, 2025

Virginia Union University (VUU) is proud to host the 46th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Breakfast, a significant event that not only honors the enduring legacy of Dr. King but also celebrates VUU's monumental 160th anniversary. 

  

This year's breakfast is set for January 17, 2025, at the Marriott Richmond, under the theme "Educational Legacy: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future." This distinguished event will acknowledge the historical and ongoing contributions of Virginia’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as well as other key higher education institutions in Richmond and Virginia, which include:  

• Bryant & Stratton College 

• ECPI University  

• Hampton University 

• J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College 

• Norfolk State University 

• University of Richmond 

• Virginia Commonwealth University 

• Virginia State University 

• Virginia University of Lynchburg  

These institutions have played pivotal roles in educating generations of African American students and others, significantly contributing to leveling the educational and professional playing fields and thus enhancing the social and economic fabric of our communities. 

  

U.S. Representative Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan, serving Virginia's 4th Congressional District, will grace the event as the keynote speaker, emphasizing the critical role of education in advancing Dr. King’s vision of equality and justice. During the breakfast, VUU will also honor local leaders and institutions that have made substantial contributions to education and civil rights, reflecting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s spirit and principles. 

  

The event will feature award presentations and performances that celebrate the rich history and ongoing commitment of HBCUs to educational excellence and social justice. Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President of Virginia Union University, stated, "Celebrating 160 years of Virginia Union University, we reflect on the transformative influence of HBCUs in shaping leaders committed to service and societal change. 

  

This breakfast is not just a tribute to Dr. King’s legacy but a celebration of the profound impact that education has on societal progress." Tickets for the event are available for purchase at https://www.vuu160.com/mlkcelebration, and all proceeds will support scholarships and educational programs for students at Virginia Union University.  

  

For media inquiries and more information about the 46th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Breakfast, please contact:  

  

Ursula James 

Associate Vice President, University Relations 

Urjames@vuu.edu 

  

We invite the community to join us in this significant celebration, honoring Dr. King and the institutions that continue to promote his legacy through their steadfast commitment to education and equality.