Award-winning CBS journalist Maurice DuBois will deliver the keynote address at the 27th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast in Poughkeepsie on Friday, January 19, 7:15am, at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center. Hosted by the nonprofit organization, Catharine Street Community Center, the breakfast is the largest MLK celebration in the Hudson Valley.

DuBois, a respected journalist who received the New York Association of Black Journalists’ Trailblazer Award, is an anchor at CBS-2. Over the course of an impressive career DuBois has covered everything from local news to national political conventions. He has anchored numerous live breaking news stories, and moderated debates for New York City Mayor and congressional elections. A graduate of Northwestern University, DuBois holds four honorary PhDs and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He has won several journalism and community awards, including five Emmys. He has also been honored by the Associated Press and the New York State Broadcasters Association. He serves on the non-profit board of NY City Center, and previously served at PENCIL, Susan G. Komen for the Cure/NYC, and the Northside Center for Child Development.

“We’re honored to have Maurice DuBois deliver this year’s keynote speech at the Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast,” said Shirley Adams, Executive Director of the Catharine Street Community Center. “His career trajectory serves as an inspiration to all, making him an ideal choice for this event, which honors Dr. King and all he did to create equality and opportunity for the community.”

“We sincerely thank Maurice for joining us as the keynote speaker of the 27th MLK, Jr. Breakfast and for also being Marist College’s first 2018 speaker at the Raymond A. Rich Institute for Leadership Development,” said Freddimir Garcia, Vice President of the Board of Catharine Street Community Center and Special Assistant for Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement at Marist College. “He will not only address the Dutchess County community but also our student leaders about his career and experiences.”

At the breakfast two local high school students will be honored for their commitment to their academics and the local community. This year’s students are Hope T. Tangunu and Ayo S. Opuiyo, both seniors at Poughkeepsie High School.

Two community members will also receive awards this year. The honorees were selected by the CSCC Board of trustees for their ongoing commitment and contributions to the organization. For more than twenty years both Adrian “Butch” Anderson, Sheriff of Dutchess County, and Dr. Dennis Murray, President Emeritus of Marist College, have been devoted supporters of CSCC and its mission. 

The musical group Rayford Watkins & Spirit of Unity Musicians will perform at the event.

Anyone wishing to attend the Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast can visit catharinecenter.org or call (845) 473-2272. 

About Catharine Street Community Center (CSCC) 

Located on the banks Established in 1922 in Poughkeepsie, New York, CSCC is committed to the preservation and enrichment of families and children. Serving Poughkeepsie’s neediest residents CSCC provides school readiness services, summer and after school programs. Learn more at catharinecenter.org. 

About Marist 

Located on the banks of the historic Hudson River and at its Florence, Italy branch campus, Marist College is a comprehensive, independent institution grounded in the liberal arts. Its mission is to “help students develop the intellect, character, and skills required for enlightened, ethical, and productive lives in the global community of the 21st century.” Marist is consistently recognized for excellence by The Princeton Review (Colleges That Create Futures and The Best 381 Colleges), U.S. News & World Report (9th Best Regional University/North), Kiplinger’s Personal Finance (“Best College Values”), and others. Though now independent, Marist remains committed to the ideals handed down from its founders, the Marist Brothers: excellence in education, a sense of community, and a commitment to service. Marist educates approximately 5,000 traditional-age undergraduate students and 1,400 adult and graduate students in 47 undergraduate majors and 14 graduate programs, including fully online MBA, MPA, MS, and MA degrees. 

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