SEED Male Mentoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Breakfast: “Still We Rise”

Mr. Stacy Heading, Program Director of the SEED (Servants Endeavoring to Empower and Develop) Male Mentoring Program, founded by E. E. Jenkins Ministries, is proud to announce that the 16th Annual SEED, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Breakfast will be held on Saturday, January 24th at the Princeton Hyatt Regency, 102 Carnegie Center. Each year, people who are working to improve their community are recognized. This year’s theme is “Still We Rise,” reflecting the poem “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou.

The purpose of the breakfast is to acknowledge the amazing resilience of African Americans who have survived much adversity, including the Middle Passage and enslavement of their ancestors. Segregation, Black Codes, racism, redlining, and, most recently, the dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). However, the story of African Americans is one of resilience, hope, faith, and accomplishment. No matter what the obstacles, African Americans have continued to overcome, to meet the most devastating challenges head-on, and still rise! The monies raised at the breakfast support the future leaders who receive the SEED/ HEAL THE CITY Scholarships.

Although the focus at the luncheon is on the very deserving recipients of the Drum Major Award and the Harriet Tubman Award, there is a backstory that drives this event. The profits from this illustrious event benefit the SEED/HEAL THE CITY Scholarships, which provide mentoring and support services to students of color who are on their way to college or attending college. Mr. Heading understands the importance of providing support services to these young people and building a strong relationship with them and their families. According to Mr. Heading, the SEED Male Mentoring program aims to guide young men toward greatness through self-awareness, leadership, and community involvement.

Dr. King was also a mentor to youth. He said, “Believe in your dreams, and they may come true. Believe in yourself, and they will surely come true.” Mr. Heading and the SEED/HEAL THE CITY scholarship program help youth to have dreams and to believe that their dreams can come true.

Students who have benefited from the SEED/HEAL THE CITY Scholarships include: Greg King, Jr., Tuskegee University (Alabama), who will graduate this spring 2026, majoring in Business Administration; Tajon Wadley, Bowie State University (Maryland), majoring in Music Technology, will graduate in 2027. Students who have graduated and often return to their community to give back include: Naeem Queen, St. Peters University (Jersey City, NJ) graduated in 2017, and has a double major in Philosophy and Sociology, Kevin Lassiter Jr. Kean University (Union County, NJ) graduated in 2018 with a Bachelors Degree in Advertising, Zaire McClease, Norfolk State University (Virginia) graduated in 2023 with a major in Computer Science and Kyle Anderson, Clark Atlanta University (Georgia) graduated in 2024 with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology. Mr. Heading continues to mentor the young men even after graduation.

The SEED/HEAL THE CITY Scholarships aid in ways that are sometimes overlooked, including transportation, move-in costs, mentorship, and other unexpected needs. Mr. Heading stays in close contact with the young students to make sure they understand that people believe in them, are rooting for them, and expect them to succeed.

This year’s recipients are impressive. Drum Major Awardees are Dr. Adrienne Hill, who is a Principal at Hedgepeth–Williams Elementary School in Trenton, NJ. Donna Wellons provides support services to students and staff at Village Charter School, and she is the Founder of Trenton Water Walkers. She advocates for youth and seniors. Shereyl Snider is an unrelenting community organizer. She is a champion for Healthy Homes in Trenton with the slogan, “Get The Lead Out!” Juan A. Rolon is a mentor and serves those who are impacted by drugs. His work as an anger management counselor has also helped many. Reggie Coleman serves as CEO and President of the Boys and Girls Club of Mercer County.

This year, a special award will be given to Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, who serves as the Assemblywoman for the 15th legislative district. She will receive the coveted 2026 SEED Harriet Tubman Award. Each of the honorees personifies some aspects of Dr. King’s philosophy. They do not serve in order to receive accolades and recognition. They understand Dr. King’s call to serve.

For tickets and additional information, contact Stacy Heading at (267) 528-5781.