For more than 30 years, the Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast has brought together Central Florida residents, civic, faith, and business leaders in a shared commitment to community strength and individual empowerment. Organized by the Southwest Orlando Jaycees, the YMCA of Central Florida, and the City of Orlando’s MLK Commission, the event honors the legacies of Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy, Orlando’s first African-American City Council member, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy served on Orlando’s City Council from 1973 to 1980, dedicating his career to improving the community through partnerships with organizations like Meals on Wheels, the NAACP, and the United Negro College Fund. He also founded and led efforts such as the Orlando Negro Chamber of Commerce and the Orange County Parent-Teacher Council. Even after his time in office, Kennedy remained a champion for education, civic engagement, and social progress. His legacy continues to inspire the annual prayer breakfast, reminding participants of the power of faith, collaboration, and service to build a stronger, more inclusive Central Florida.
A deeply fulfilling aspect of the Prayer Breakfast is the bestowing of scholarships, reflecting the event’s commitment to nurturing the potential of local youth. $2,000 scholarships will be rewarded to high school seniors from Central Florida, who will pursue accredited post-secondary education in the Fall of 2025.