The 30th Annual Prayer Breakfast represents more than just a gathering; it's a testament to Memphis's enduring spirit and commitment to community
Local & National News | December 28, 2024
Local & National News | December 28, 2024
Written by: JR Robinson
Memphis is set to welcome the new year with a cherished tradition as Commissioner Mickell Lowery and Chairman Emeritus Myron Lowery host the 30th Annual Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at 9:00 AM. This event promises to be a morning of inspiration, fellowship, and hope for the Memphis community as they usher in 2025.
A Memphis Tradition
The Annual Prayer Breakfast has become a staple in Memphis, bringing together community leaders, residents, and faith-based organizations for three decades. This event holds special significance for the city as it embodies the spirit of unity and reflection that Memphis is known for.
The Lowery Legacy
The Lowery name has become synonymous with public service and community engagement in Memphis.
Commissioner Mickell Lowery has followed in his father's footsteps, making significant contributions to the city:
Chairman Emeritus Myron Lowery has left an indelible mark on Memphis politics and civic life:
Myron Lowery's life story is a testament to perseverance, public service, and breaking barriers in Memphis politics. Born in Columbus, Ohio, to divorced parents with his mother on welfare, Lowery's journey to becoming a prominent figure in Memphis began with a Greyhound bus ride and two pork chop sandwiches.
In 1964, Lowery arrived in Memphis to attend LeMoyne-Owen College, paying $1 per day for rent and working to cover his tuition. After graduating, he pursued further education, earning a Master of Science in Education from New York University and a Master of Science in Urban Education from the University of Tennessee.
Lowery's career in public service started in broadcast journalism. He became WMC-TV 5's first full-time African-American news reporter, a role that would later lead to a landmark discrimination case. After leaving journalism, Lowery set his sights on politics, running for Memphis City Council in 1983 and 1987 before finally winning in 1991.
His political career includes several notable achievements:
Throughout his career, Lowery has been involved in various national organizations:
Lowery's commitment to education and community service is evident in his roles on numerous boards, including the Tennessee Municipal League, Leadership Memphis, and the Board of Trustees of LeMoyne-Owen College.
In 1983, Lowery was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men in America by the U.S. Jaycees for his work in broadcast journalism, particularly for a documentary that helped keep a rural Mississippi hospital open.
Lowery's legacy extends beyond his own achievements. His son, Mickell Lowery, now serves as a Shelby County Commissioner, continuing the family's tradition of public service.
Myron Lowery's story is one of breaking barriers, fighting discrimination, and dedicated public service. From his humble beginnings to becoming a key figure in Memphis politics, Lowery has left an indelible mark on the city's history.
The Significance of the Prayer Breakfast
The 30th Annual Prayer Breakfast represents more than just a gathering; it's a testament to Memphis's enduring spirit and commitment to community. As attendees come together to welcome 2025, they'll be participating in a tradition that:
The event, led by the Lowerys, exemplifies the passing of the torch from one generation of leaders to the next, ensuring that Memphis's tradition of community engagement and public service continues to thrive.
As Memphis prepares to gather for this momentous occasion, the 30th Annual Prayer Breakfast stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the power of community in shaping the city's future. It's an opportunity for Memphians to come together, reflect on their shared values, and recommit to making their city an even better place in the year to come.
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