41st Black History Observance Breakfast to Highlight Power of Civic Voice

As the Tri-City community prepares for the 41st Annual Black History Observance Breakfast, Chairman Oz Roberts says the event’s longevity reflects both its purpose and its power. Established in 1986, the annual gathering has grown into one of the region’s most enduring platforms for reflection, recognition and civic engagement.

In a wide-ranging interview, Roberts emphasized the importance of sustaining the tradition, the meaning behind the 2026 theme, “Your Voice Matters,” and the responsibility of connecting local stories to the broader national movement for justice and equity.

Roberts said the breakfast has endured because Black history is not static.

“This event reminds us that Black history is not just something we commemorate once a year,” he said. “It’s something we live every day. More than four decades later, the breakfast continues because our stories, our struggles and our contributions still need to be told, protected and passed on.”

The 2026 theme was selected with intention, Roberts said, reflecting today’s social and political climate.

“At a time when people feel unheard or discouraged, this theme is a reminder that participation matters—whether that’s voting, organizing, mentoring or simply speaking truth,” he said. “Silence has never moved us forward. Our progress has always come from voices willing to speak up.”

This year’s keynote speaker is Joyce Beatty, congresswoman for Ohio’s 3rd District. Roberts said her leadership and public service make her a timely and credible voice.

“Congresswoman Beatty represents steady, principled leadership,” he said. “She understands both policy and people. Her voice speaks directly to this moment—where courage, clarity and compassion are all required.”

Since 1993, Sanford Bishop has served as the event’s honorary chair, a role Roberts described as foundational to the breakfast’s credibility and continuity.

“His long-standing involvement brings consistency and respect,” Roberts said. “It shows what sustained leadership looks like and why it matters in community work.”

Over the years, the breakfast has welcomed nationally recognized voices, including Hakeem Jeffries, Jim Clyburn, Elijah Cummings, Marcia Fudge, Barack Obama, Jill Biden, and most recently Jasmine Crockett.

“These voices help connect what’s happening locally to what’s happening nationally,” Roberts said. “They validate our experiences and remind us that our community is part of a much larger story.”

In addition to national leaders, the breakfast annually honors Points of Light, Emerging Leaders, Unsung Heroes, and Legacies of Leadership—individuals whose service often goes unseen.

“Change doesn’t only happen in Congress or on television,” Roberts said. “It happens in classrooms, neighborhoods, churches and nonprofits. Honoring everyday people affirms that leadership lives right here at home.”

Youth engagement remains a central focus of the program, with students regularly included in the observance.

“If young people don’t see themselves reflected in Black history, they won’t see themselves in its future,” Roberts said. “They are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are leaders right now.”

The breakfast draws attendees from Columbus, Phenix City and Fort Benning, reinforcing a sense of regional unity.

“When the Tri-City comes together, our collective voice is stronger,” Roberts said. “Unity across city and state lines sends a powerful message about shared purpose.”

Roberts said the program continues to balance its long-standing emphasis on “Looking Back and Looking Forward.”

“We honor our ancestors by learning from them,” he said. “But we honor them even more by acting—by building on what they started.”

The breakfast, he added, is not meant to be an endpoint.

“We want people to leave inspired, but also activated,” Roberts said. “Civic engagement, leadership development and community involvement shouldn’t end when the program does.”

Calling his role one of stewardship, Roberts said his motivation comes from carrying forward a vision entrusted to the community decades ago.

“Someone carried this before me,” he said. “It’s my duty to carry it forward—stronger and more inclusive than ever.”

Roberts hopes attendees leave with a renewed sense of purpose.

“I want people to walk away knowing their voice truly matters,” he said. “And I invite businesses, organizations and individuals to support this breakfast—not just as an event, but as an investment in our shared future.”

The 41st Annual Black History Observance Breakfast stands as both a celebration of the past and a challenge to the present—one that, according to its chairman, begins and ends with the power of a voice willing to be heard. Tickets may be purchased at: blackhistorybreakfast.com.