15 Feb 2026 UCA hosts Martin Luther King Day Prayer Breakfast

Students, faculty, staff and community members came together on Jan. 16 for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast hosted by the University of Central Arkansas in the Ronnie Williams Student Center.  

Judge Tjuana Byrd Manning was the keynote speaker with the an address titled “Roots of the Dream, Fruits of the Future.” 

Byrd Manning serves on the Pulaski County Circuit Court, Division 8, bringing to the bench a deep commitment to justice and community shaped by her upbringing in North Carolina and Arkansas. A graduate of the UA Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law,

Throughout her career, Byrd Manning has served as an advocate for children and families, earning appointments to state boards addressing child welfare and juvenile issues, including The State Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board, the Arkansas Supreme Court Commission on Children, Youth, and Families Racial Justice Taskforce, Women’s Foundation of Arkansas and the Arkansas Commission on Juvenile Justice.

The annual event celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. After breakfast was served, the program also included several performances by members of the UCA Gospel Choir and Miss UCA Ana Brandon performed a song. 

“Byrd Manning’s speech was moving,” said 501 LIFE Brand Ambassador Lisa Hutchison. “The crowd was moved as she spoke about the MLK legacy and how we all may continue to build on the foundation he created.”