A full house of community members and dignitaries turned out for the 56th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast in Boston on Monday.

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s historic life, transformative leadership and enduring legacy is central to the City of Boston,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.

The 2026 celebration highlighted “the Kings’ stand for justice and honors Dr. King’s influence that continues to inspire action and change in our city,” she continued.

Gov. Maura Healey highlighted a quote from King on Monday: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience or comfort, but where he stands at time of challenge and controversy.”

“This is one of those moments,” Healey said. “And you are in the right place to stand up to injustice, to advance freedom, and teach young people the truth so they can lead the way forward.”

Boston’s MLK Breakfast is the longest running event of its kind in the U.S.. Monday’s event featured speaker and Pulitzer Prize winner Nikole Hannah-Jones.

Rev. Dr. Jay Williams speaks during Monday’s MLK Breakfast. (Photo By Matt Stone/Boston Herald).
Lori Harper sings “Goodness of God” during Monday’s 56th Annual MLK Breakfast. (Photo By Matt Stone/Boston Herald).
U.S. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley makes the sign of a heart during Monday’s 56th Annual MLK Breakfast. (Photo By Matt Stone/Boston Herald).
A man folds his hands in prayer during Monday’s 56th Annual MLK Breakfast in Boston. (Photo By Matt Stone/Boston Herald).
Attendees bow their heads in prayer during Monday’s 56th Annual MLK Breakfast. (Photo By Matt Stone/Boston Herald).