U.S. Education Secretary to Attend Prayer Breakfast, Participate in Service Project to Honor Dr. King's Life and Legacy

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, will join civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton for an annual King Day breakfast at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 17, at the Madison Loews Hotel in Washington, D.C. In his remarks, Secretary Duncan will speak about Dr. King’s legacy and discuss how civil rights is also the issue of our generation.

The event, hosted by the National Action Network, will bring together civil rights, labor, education and public policy leaders, as well as clergy. Events also are planned in Harlem, N.Y., where the organization is headquartered.

The National Action Network is a not-for-profit civil rights organization founded by the Rev. Sharpton. It addresses the social and economic injustice experienced by African Americans in the United States. Rev. Sharpton has called education reform the civil rights issue of the 21st century.

Later that day at 11 a.m., Secretary Duncan and his family will participate in City Year’s service project at Kramer Middle School in Washington, D.C. He also will give remarks.

City Year unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service. As tutors, mentors and role models, these diverse young leaders help children stay in school and on track, and transform schools and communities across the United States.