2025 Unity Breakfast to Commemorate MLK Legacy

UW Tacoma’s popular Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in William W. Philip Hall on campus. Tickets are $25 per person and must be purchased in advance. The event is open to the public.

The theme of this year’s Unity Breakfast is “Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere.” The keynote speaker is Craig Sims, an accomplished trial lawyer with over 25 years of litigation and leadership experience. His calling, “to be of service to others,” is what drew him to the practice of law. His focus is to seek accountability while honoring the lives of his clients and their families. Craig was recognized as a Washington “Super Lawyer” and was honored as one of the Best Lawyers in America three years running. He has taught trial practice as an adjunct professor at Seattle University School of Law and is a visiting lecturer at the University of Washington Law School.

The alumni keynote speaker will be social worker, author, and educator Bonita Lee (’06). She is a community connector who has worked with schools and non-profits for over 22 years, focusing on individual, student, and family access through empowerment. As a Family and Community Partnership Coordinator, she works with students, community members, schools, and local agencies to foster active advocacy.

As in years past, the 2025 Unity Breakfast is being organized and hosted by UW Tacoma’s Black Student Union (BSU). In addition to the keynote talks by Sims and Lee, the event will include live performances and the presentation of Dream Awards to recognize students, faculty, community members and organizations for their work to promote equity, justice and civil rights.

This year’s event is presented by BECU with additional sponsorship from YMCA of Pierce & Kitsap Counties, and SeaMar Community Health.

The BSU has also received support from units across campus, including the Milgard School of Business, School of Nursing & Healthcare Leadership and School of Education, Center for Equity & Inclusion, Center for Student Involvement, and the Division of Student Affairs.  The Unity Breakfast started in 2008 as a way to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy. The annual event brings together students, staff, faculty, alumni as well as members of the larger community.

Event organizers also encourage participation in the City of Tacoma’s 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Birthday Celebration, held in person at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, on Monday, January 20, at 11 a.m.