Each January, Shiloh Baptist Church (Old Site) seeks to support the Fredericksburg Branch of the NAACP as it host its annual prayer breakfast, celebrating of the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The 2023 program, which will be entirely virtual, will be Monday, January 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The 2023 theme is “The Fierce Urgency of Now.” Music will be provided by local gospel musician Keith Armstead. There will be an informative presentation by Dr. Gaila Sims, curator of African American History at the Fredericksburg Area Museum. The keynote address will be by U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger.

The Martin Luther King program functions as the most important annual fundraiser for the very active Fredericksburg Branch of the NAACP. Sponsorships for the event make it possible for the Branch to continue supporting the mission of the NAACP to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.

Those who make a contribution of $25 or more, as well as those who sign up as a sponsor, are able to view the program remotely. A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants.

Those who make a contribution or sign up as a sponsor are helping to provide the funds that the local branch needs to continue its important social justice efforts. (For more information on the work of the Fredericksburg Branch, go to: FredericksburgNAACP.org.)

For the last several years, Shiloh Old Site church has hosted the on-line registrations for the program, underwriting all financial processing fees. Please note that donations to the Fredericksburg NAACP Branch are not tax-deductible.

It’s extremely easy to register on-line and make a contribution. You can likewise use the on-line form to offer a sponsorship in honor of — or perhaps in memory of — special individuals.

While making a contribution, registrants can also pay their 2023 membership dues. (For more information on membership options, go to: FredericksburgNAACP.org/membership.)