Youth Take Center Stage at Inaugural MLK Community Breakfast in Cocoa
COCOA, FL — More than 130 community members gathered Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Dr. Joe Lee Smith Community Center for the inaugural MLK Community Breakfast—Mission Impossible II: Dream in Action: Youth Leading Change, marking a historic moment in Brevard County’s celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.
The free, youth-centered event was hosted in partnership with the NAACP Central Brevard Collaborative Network and chaired by Courtenay Goins, President of the Brevard County Florida Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, with leadership guidance from Dr. Avanese Taylor, president of the NAACP Central Brevard. Major sponsors included the NAACP Central Brevard, the Brevard County FL Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and ABC Landclearing & Development, Inc., along with the dedicated support of volunteers and community partners who helped bring the event’s vision to life.
Youth participants represented a wide range of civic and faith-based organizations, including Cocoa-Brevard Top Teens of America, Cocoa PAL, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Knights of Pythagoras (KOP), Emma Jewel Charter Academy, Boys and Girls Club of Central Florida, Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church, and The Real Church. One of the highlights of the morning was the presentation of the 2026 MLK
Youth Leadership Awards, which honored young people for their outstanding service, character, and impact. This year’s honorees included Lyric Johnson, recognized for her kindness, compassion, and faithful service to younger youth and her church community; Keriyanna Williams, captain of the Emma Jewel Step Team, celebrated for her leadership, discipline, and support of her teammates; and Breanna Johnson, honored for her strong character, dedication, and involvement in varsity cheerleading, JROTC, Drill Team, and Raiders at Rockledge High School.
Additional recipients included Ivie Mitchell, a standout Honors Dual Enrollment student, aspiring lawyer and politician, and Teen Vice President of the Brevard County Florida Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.; Everett Taylor, known for service-driven leadership and his involvement with Top Teens of America, the NAACP Youth Council, and varsity athletics; and Tameya Moore, celebrated for her leadership in Cocoa PAL, academic excellence, and exemplary service at school and church.
Also recognized were Jah Jah St. Clair Francis, honored for his steady leadership at the Boys & Girls Club and mentorship of younger members; Riley McCain, acknowledged for her faithful service in church ministries, work ethic, and youth leadership; and Quinton Lane, recognized for balancing work, athletics, and volunteer service with Knights of Pythagoras and Emma Jewel’s Saturday School.
Youth leadership guided the program from beginning to end. Ceriah Blunt served as Mistress of Ceremony, Bryson Jefferson delivered the morning prayer, and Tameya Moore presented the Occasion and Purpose. Guests were treated to a high-energy performance by the Emma Jewel Warriors Step Team, followed by a powerful youth leadership panel moderated by Attorney Alton Edmonds and featuring award recipients Ivie Mitchell, Quinton Lane, Everett Taylor, and Keriyana Williams.
Keynote speaker Daylyn Randolph, a Florida A&M University College of Law student and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., delivered an inspiring message focused on perseverance, service, and youth empowerment. The event also highlighted MLK-inspired artwork created by young local artists Joaquin Clementin and Mikale James. Community collaboration was central to the success of the event.
Décor was provided by the Goins family, photography was captured by Romaeo Williams, music was provided by Emma Jewel Charter Academy, and catering was prepared by Taste of Elegance.
The organizing committee included Courtenay Goins (Chair), Betty Goins, Veronica Jenkins, Karena Johnson, Dr. Amicita Maloon-Gibson, Councilman Alex Goins and Dr. Avanese Taylor.
Organizers emphasized that the event’s success reflects a growing commitment to uplifting the next generation. “Today was all about the youth, their voice, their leadership, and their future,” Goins said. “Together, we truly saw the Dream in Action.”
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