At YMCA event, local leaders recall words, legacy of MLK

Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden invoked the words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Friday, connecting the struggle for civil rights and justice to the battle against gun violence in Boston and cities around the world.

Speaking at the YMCA’s 16th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast in Roxbury, Hayden recalled King’s famous declaration that “injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” and applied that concept to gun violence in Boston.

“In Boston and major cities all over the world, violence and gun violence continue to disproportionally affect communities of color,” Hayden said during his brief remarks.

“It’s a public health issue for us.”

Hayden said efforts to reduce gun violence in communities of color are making progress, but more must be done.

“We here in Boston are doing the work, but when all of Boston is doing well as every other corner, every other area of Boston — that’s when we truly get to where we are not having injustice in some places and justice in other places,” he said. “And we’re going to work hard on that.”

Mayor Michelle Wu also spoke at the breakfast, the primary fund-raiser for the Roxbury YMCA branch. This year’s event focused on MLK Jr.’s dream for a better America.

“This celebration brings businesses, community leaders, elected officials, and various communities together to honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” organizers of the Friday breakfast wrote online. “This year’s theme is Protecting The Dream. Our young people will convey the importance of having a dream to follow. We will be sharing stories, experiences, and a call to action on how we can continue Protecting the Dream.”

Proceeds will be used to support programs for “our children, youth, families, and seniors. With your help, we hope to expand our offerings to ensure that everyone in our community has a safe place to learn, grow, and thrive.”