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Photos: Octavio Jones

Gary Hartfield Sparks Hope at the 38th Annual Plant City MLK Leadership Breakfast

PLANT CITY, FL – On Sunday, January 14, Gary Hartfield delivered an inspiring address at the 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Leadership Breakfast, held at the Plant City Campus of Hillsborough Community College in the Trinkle Center. The event drew a remarkable attendance of over 430 individuals eager to witness Hartfield’s impactful message. Focused on the theme “Our History; Our Responsibility,” Gary urged the community to embody the spirit of the redeeming kinsman—a figure willing to stand in the gap for others and bring about breakthroughs.

In his powerful speech, Hartfield drew parallels between historical African American leaders, such as Dr. King, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Sojourner Truth, and the biblical figure Boaz. These individuals, as redeeming kinsmen, not only championed their own communities but served as beacons of justice for the entire nation. Hartfield’s call to action resonated deeply, challenging each listener to recognize that their personal breakthroughs today pave the way for collective breakthroughs tomorrow. He emphasized the importance of enduring hardships and sacrifices, highlighting that one’s success is not solely for personal gain but for the benefit of the community and future generations. Hartfield’s words ignited a sense of responsibility and purpose among the attendees, encouraging them to persist as redeeming kinsmen in their own right. View photos from the event below.