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By Kris Harrell

The Butler County Civic League held their annual Freedom Memorial Breakfast celebrating the life and legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

The annual event has been a regular occurrence since around 1990 and began through the efforts of Butler County Civic League Vice Chairman Christopher Bennett and his wife, Elois Bennett.

“My uncle Fred Bennett tried to have a breakfast, but it was not successful,” Bennett said. “So, my wife and I started the first breakfast, and we used some of the old cafeteria workers from Greenville High School to do the breakfast. The first breakfast was very successful, and from that point we got the churches involved and it just blossomed.”  

The 2025 Freedom Memorial Breakfast began with an introduction of the speakers and the presentation of colors by the Greenville High School JROTC, followed by the invocation, blessing of the food, and special music. 

Bennett, Mayor Dexter McLendon of Greenville and Mayor Franklin Betterton of Georgiana greeted guests. Mayor Lester Odom of McKenzie was scheduled but unable to attend. 

Calvin McDonald recited Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speech, “I Have a Dream.”

“We want them to understand what Dr. King stood for — he stood for non-violence — so we want that to get across to other people to let them know there should be non-violence,” said Thelma Mixon, treasurer for the Butler County Civic League and chairperson for the 2025 Freedom Memorial Breakfast.

Other elected officials that spoke during the breakfast include Superintendent Joseph Eiland, Chairman Joey Peavy of the Butler County Commission and Field Representative Thaddeus Douglas, standing in for Alabama District 2 Congressman Shomari Figures. District 90 Representative Chris Sells was slated to speak during the event but was unable to attend. 

“We want to bring about a sense of unity, coming together and working with our elected officials so that we can get things done better for the citizens of Butler County, that’s what we represent,” Bennett said. 

Breakfast was sponsored by Uncle E’s BBQ & Catering. The Greenville High School JROTC helped with serving, handing out beverages, and making plates for those that could not leave their table. 

After the meal, a memorial service was held for King by Commissioner Allin Whittle. Guest speaker Rev. Fredrick L. Lowery addressed the crowd-filled Dunbar Recreation Community Center, discussing why it is important to continue to celebrate the holiday. 

“Everybody has been working really [well] with us, being able to come out so we appreciate that,” Mixon said. “For the weather to be like it is, we had a very good turnout.”  

The event ended with a give-away of door prizes, and allowing guests to discuss amongst themselves as the breakfast concluded.