The breakfast will take place Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Minneapolis Convention Center, bringing together corporate leaders, community advocates, educators, students, and families for a morning of reflection, inspiration, and action. Proceeds from the event support UNCF’s work helping Twin Cities students get to and through college.
Event Details at a Glance
Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
Time: 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. (Doors open at 6:45 a.m.)
Location: Minneapolis Convention Center
Tickets: Available at MLKBreakfast.com
Breakfast service and pre-programming begin at 7:30 a.m.
A Theme Rooted in Service and Purpose
The 2026 theme, “Make a Career of Humanity,” draws inspiration from Dr. King’s call to service and social responsibility. It reflects his belief that committing oneself to justice and equality not only strengthens communities, but also shapes character and purpose.
The theme invites attendees to think about how education, leadership, and service can be powerful tools for creating opportunity and lasting change.
National Voices Take the Stage
This year’s program features two influential keynote speakers whose work embodies the spirit of Dr. King’s message.
Soledad O’Brien
Award-winning journalist, author, and founder of Soledad O’Brien Productions, O’Brien is widely respected for her commitment to telling authentic and empowering stories. Her recent projects include the HBO documentary The Devil Is Busy and Netflix’s The Perfect Neighbor, which premiered at Sundance. Through journalism and storytelling, O’Brien continues to elevate voices and issues that shape national dialogue.
Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, III
A nationally recognized leader in education and civic engagement, Dr. Freeman A. Hrabowski, III is President Emeritus of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). During his tenure, UMBC became a national model for student success in STEM education, particularly among underrepresented students. Hrabowski’s life and work reflect a lifelong commitment to leadership, equity, and opportunity.
Supporting Education in the Twin Cities
The annual breakfast directly supports UNCF Twin Cities, helping fund scholarships and educational programs for local students. UNCF’s mission focuses on opening doors to higher education and ensuring students have the resources they need to succeed.
“Dr. King’s legacy continues to challenge and inspire us,” said Dr. Michael L. Lomax, president and CEO of UNCF. “Education remains one of the most powerful ways to uplift communities, and with the continued partnership of General Mills, we are creating meaningful pathways for young people to thrive.”
Music That Moves the Spirit
Musical entertainment will be provided by Billy Steele of the legendary Steele family and the three-time Grammy-winning group Sounds of Blackness. A Minneapolis native, Steele brings decades of experience as a performer, composer, and producer, and currently serves as musical director at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.
A Legacy More Than Three Decades Strong
What began in 1991 as a local community gathering has grown into a signature Twin Cities event. Over the years, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Breakfast has welcomed notable voices such as Dr. Bernice King, Ambassador Andrew Young, Congressman John Lewis, Eric H. Holder, Valerie Jarrett, Colin Powell, Harry Belafonte, Marian Wright Edelman, Michele Norris, and many others.
The 2026 breakfast is proudly supported by Best Buy as presenting sponsor, along with Target, C.H. Robinson, Cargill, Medtronic, and 3M.
Broadcast and Streaming Information
Live radio broadcast: WCCO AM at 8:30 a.m.
Streaming: CBS News Minnesota (via WCCO-TV’s free streaming channel) beginning at 1 p.m.
Additional coverage: Keynote presentations will air on Minnesota Public Radio during the midday segment.
About General Mills
General Mills is a global food company guided by its Accelerate strategy, focused on building beloved brands, driving innovation, and standing for good. Its portfolio includes Cheerios, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Nature Valley, Häagen-Dazs, Blue Buffalo, and many others. The company reported $19 billion in fiscal 2025 net sales, with an additional $1 billion from joint ventures.
About UNCF
Founded in 1944, UNCF is one of the nation’s largest and most effective advocates for higher education. To date, UNCF has raised more than $6 billion to support students and strengthen historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Each year, UNCF awards over 11,000 scholarships, helping students attend more than 600 colleges and universities nationwide. Learn more at UNCF.org.
