[Charlotte, NC – January 4, 2017] – The YMCA of Greater Charlotte will welcome an expected 1,300 people to its 23rd Annual MLK Holiday Breakfast at the Charlotte Convention Center’s Crown Ballroom on Monday, January 16 at 8:00 a.m.

The keynote speaker for this year’s breakfast is Mike Wiley, a North Carolina-based actor, playwright and director of multiple works in documentary theatre including The Parchman Hour, which was selected as the closing event of the official 50th anniversary commemoration of the Freedom Riders in Jackson, Mississippi. Wiley has fifteen years of credits in theatre for young audiences plus film, television and regional theatre. Wiley is an Upward Bound alum, Trio Achiever Award recipient, and M.F.A. graduate of the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

Wiley will perform a one-man play about civil rights at this year’s MLK breakfast. A gifted and visionary artist and communicator, Wiley’s overriding goal is to expand cultural awareness for audiences of all ages through dynamic portrayals based on pivotal moments in African-American history and, in doing so, unveil a richer picture of the total American experience. “This breakfast is for all Charlotteans to come together as one to celebrate diversity and Dr. King’s legacy,” says Dena Paulding, McCrorey YMCA executive director. “We are honored to host an exceptional artist such as Mike Wiley on this special occasion.”

NBC Charlotte anchor Fred Shropshire will host this year’s event. Proceeds from the breakfast will provide life-transforming programs for youth at the McCrorey Family YMCA and provide teens the opportunity to participate in the Teen Leaders and TILT programs. Founded in 1936 as an African-American YMCA in a segregated nation, the McCrorey YMCA provided opportunities for spiritual growth, learning and leadership development for the black community in Charlotte.

Doors open at 7:15 AM. The program begins at 8:00 AM and is expected to end by 9:30 AM. Tickets are on sale now and available for purchase at the McCrorey YMCA. Limited tickets will be available day of at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Corporate sponsorships are also available by contacting Debbie Smith at 704-716-6513 or debbie.smith@ymcacharlotte.org.


About the YMCA of Greater Charlotte
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte, comprised of 19 membership locations and two resident camps, engages approximately 272,000 men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Deeply rooted in the community for over 140 years, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. www.ymcacharlotte.org