TBO.com > News > News blog Reports
- Lumbering Storms Over Pinellas
- Afternoon Storms Should Be Slow Movers
- Why Is It So Cold??!!!
- Tropical Storm Bertha
- Hearing Lakeland’s Fireworks Not The Same As Seeing Them, By George
- Time for a patriotic song.
- Crist Engaged To Rome
- Supremes: Crist Erred On Gambling Pact
- Polk Schools Dealing With High Diesel Costs
- Take trolley, streetcar to fireworks
- Isn’t it Fun to Fly?
- Hail, Gusty Winds, Possible Tornado Results From Afternoon Storms
- Portable High Definition Televisions
- Andy Martin—Remember Him?—Gets His Moment In The Sun
- There’s One Behind Every Tree …
Keynote speaker Xernona Clayton jokes with Mayor Pam Iorio and City Council Chairperson Gwendolyn Miller. CRYSTAL LAUDERDALE/Tribune photo
The keynote speaker at the MLK leadership breakfast is Xernona Clayton, founder, president and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation, which runs an event that honors black achievement.
While many in attendance at this morning’s breakfast know Dr. King only through his legacy, Clayton knew him personally. It was Clayton who drove Dr. King to the airport for a flight to Memphis in the spring of 1968. Days later, Dr. King was assassinated there.
As she started speaking, Clayton stepped down from her position at the head table and delivered her speech as she walked among the tables.
“I’m revved up,” said Clayton, as the crowd cheered her on.
When the crowd settled, Clayton grabbed their attention by sharing her personal memories of Dr. King.
“Dr. King lived and died to free all people,” she said.
The Tampa Tribune is a sponsor of the leadership breakfast.
Advertisement
