At the 35th MLK Peace Breakfast at Metropolitan State University of Denver on Friday, Georgia State Rep. Park Cannon asked hundreds of attendees to use their leadership roles to bring joy into the public sphere.
Cannon was the keynote speaker at the University’s annual event to honor the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The preschool teacher and 10-year legislator in Georgia’s 58th district urged attendees to organize, volunteer and be present through times of social tension in King’s honor.
After leading the room in a body movement exercise, she called for compassion.
“My goal is really for us to have a shared legacy through social relationships,” she said. “I want us to be in relationship with our own bodies and to know what is happening to us so that we can recognize it in somebody else.”
Attendees hear opening remarks over breakfast in the Tivoli Turnhalle. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Nhi Dang, left, accepts the MLK Peace Award from MSU Denver student Zafrane Kuvula. Photo by Alyson McClaran
MLK Peace Awardee Janet Damon speaks after receiving the MLK Peace Award. Photo by Alyson McClaran
MLK Peace Awardee Nathan Cadena speaks after receiving the MLK Peace Award. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Attendees at the event greet MSU Denver President Janine Davidson, Ph.D. Photo by Alyson McClaran
MSU Denver President Janine Davidson, Ph.D., speaks during the event. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Daryl Walker plays the keys and sings at the event. Photo by Alyson McClaran
De'Aundrae Harris, center, and Isaiah Dorsey, right, applaud at the event. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Keynote speaker Park Cannon speaks during the event. Photo by Alyson McClaran
Keynote speaker Park Cannon, right, poses for a picture at the event. Photo by Alyson McClaran
MLK Peace Awardee Nathan Cadena, center, poses for a picture at the event. Photo by Alyson McClaran
The crowd in the Tivoli Turnalle also joined in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” known as the Black national anthem, and “We Shall Overcome,” led by the Rev. Daryl Walker, to open and close the event.
In addition, Michael Benitez, Ph.D., MSU Denver vice president for Diversity and Inclusion, honored the 2026 award recipients, recognizing leaders who embody the principles championed by King. This year’s honorees were:
Nathan Cadena. The chief impact officer of the Denver Scholarship Foundation, Cadena leads a committed team in expanding college access and scholarship opportunities for thousands of students of limited-income and first-generation status, as well as those from various racial and ethnic backgrounds. Cadena is a steadfast champion for Denver’s homegrown talent, serving as co-chair of the philanthropic giving circle and advising initiatives focused on economic mobility and leadership development.
Janet Damon. An educator of more than 25 years, 2025 Teacher of the Year and 2026 recipient of the Horace Mann Award, Damon is a dedicated advocate for urban youth. She helps students overcome the effects of poverty and trauma, and fosters community literacy by leading a nature-based book club that has introduced hundreds of children to Colorado’s outdoors. An alumna of MSU Denver, her reputation for cultivating resilient, lifelong learners through service and storytelling is widely recognized.
Nhi Dang. As MSU Denver’s associate director of Asian Pacific Islander student experience and belonging, Dang is a leader in organizing identity-based heritage celebrations and elevating diverse voices across campus. Through intentional partnerships and a dedication to cultural representation, she bridges gaps between identity and community, empowering underrepresented groups to lead, grow and thrive in a campus culture rooted in inclusion and mutual understanding.
