Forty was a special number for the 2025 Annual Bayer YMCA MLK Commemorative Breakfast held on Monday at the Marriott St. Louis Airport – and its keynote speaker.
“This is the 40th year for the breakfast and this is my 40th year with Bayer,” Al Mitchell told the capacity crowd.
It was his final address to an audience as President of the Bayer Fund and Vice President of Corporate Engagement at Bayer before his retirement on Tuesday, January 21.
He reminded guests of the sold-out breakfast of its origins in the gymnasium of the then Monsanto YMCA – a place where Mitchell spent his formative years. It was also there that he was introduced to community service by becoming a member of its board.
And as he spoke about the legacy of Dr. King, he stressed the importance of community service that is essential to the foundation of building King’s “beloved community.”
“This morning, I would like to speak on the part of his legacy that we all can emulate – his heart as a servant leader,” Mitchell said. He told the audience that Dr. King knew that to have a just society, the commitment to service needed to permeate organizations to address equity beyond just civic engagement but to address other social ills.
“Dr. King serves as a reminder that true leadership is about serving others,” Mitchell said. “It is characterized by selflessness, integrity, empathy and a vision that inspires others towards a common goal, a common good and a higher calling.”
As part of the commemoration for their 40th year of presenting the breakfast, the Bayer YMCA honored 40 individuals for their work in making the region a better place.
“Each of these servant leaders have answered the call to create meaningful change, reflecting the spirit of Dr. King and the mission of the Gateway YMCA,” said Mistress of Ceremonies and broadcast media veteran Bonita Cornute as she highlighted the 40 for 40 Servant Leaders. “Their contributions remind us of the power of service to shape a better future.”
A handful of individuals and institutions were given special distinction for their community building efforts.
Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle was presented with the 2025 YMCA Martin Luther King Jr. Strong Community Award. The 2025 YMCA Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Award to Marlon Wharton, CEO and Founder of Gentlemen of Vision Rites of Passage Inc., Dr. Dwayne T. James, Director of Access and Inclusive Engagement for University of Missouri Extension was bestowed with 2025 YMCA Martin Luther King Jr. Human Dignity Award. Lisa LaGrone, Founder and Executive Director of Safe Streets Safe Neighborhoods received the 2025 YMCA Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Violence Prevention Award. Community Women Against Hardship was given the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Community Pillar Award.
“These honorees have dedicated their lives to putting service at the core of their leadership, addressing critical needs, uplifting others and inspiring positive change,” said Tim Helm, Chair of The Gateway Region YMCA Board of Directors. “These individuals reflect the values of justice, equality and the unity that Dr. King championed and the Y strives to uphold.”
In his remarks, Mitchell pointed out that for only the third time since the nation has celebrated MLK Day, it’s being shared with the inauguration of a President and a new Congress.
“For the first two, you probably didn’t notice. Mr. Obama, and Mr. Bill Clinton,” Mitchell said. “But today, we usher in a faction of the government who represent the antithesis of everything Dr. King fought for.”
He told the audience to look to Dr. King’s example – and work to uphold the theme for this year’s breakfast, “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice & Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence 365,” as an act of resistance.
“Let us explore the deeper, more profound meanings of his life and legacy and their implications for the present day and for the future,” said Mitchell. “Dr. King’s philosophy went beyond civil rights. He advocated for a broad spectrum of social change – including a vision for a more diverse America where all people enjoy the benefits of equality in what he coined as a beloved community.”
Mitchell said that being juxtaposed with Trump’s inauguration should compel everyone to lean into the sacrifices King made and the manner in which he served in order to hold the nation to its promises – for all of its citizens.
“As we forge ahead, the path is clear. Community service must be intentional, inclusive and innovative,” Mitchell said. “It should shatter barriers and build bridges – and light the way for those following in its footsteps. We often think of generational wealth. We need to start thinking of generational service.”
And just as it did for Mitchell, Bayer YMCA can provide a launching pad.
“At the Bayer YMCA, we are honored to serve as a North Star for the St. Louis community, championing the values of equity, inclusion and service,” said Kemet Hetep, Executive Director of the Bayer YMCA. “Today’s celebration is a call to action, reminding us of Dr. King’s timeless message of hope and justice – and encouraging us to work together to create a brighter, more equitable future for all.”