WATERTOWN, MA — Watertown’s beloved Unity Breakfast celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, marking a quarter-century of bringing the community together to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Held at the Hellenic Cultural Center despite freezing temperatures and snow, nearly 500 attendees gathered for the return of the in-person event.

What began in 2001 as a modest celebration at Phillips Congregational Church has grown into a cornerstone tradition. Over the years, the breakfast has become a space for music, inspiration, and connection, with students from Watertown providing music and local organizations strengthening bonds across the city.

The event returned to an in-person celebration this year following four years of television broadcasted events following the pandemic.

This year’s event featured a land acknowledgment by Dr. Claudia Fox Tree, who delivered an impassioned speech on Native American issues and the ongoing struggle for equality. “Tribal land acknowledgments are a step toward making visible the indigenous nations colonizers have rendered invisible,” she said, emphasizing the importance of inclusion.

Watertown Police Chief Justin Hanrahan and Captain Dan Unsworth also reaffirmed the department’s commitment to fairness in immigration policies. A pamphlet distributed during the breakfast outlined the department’s stance on serving and protecting all residents, regardless of origin. “It’s not the role of the Watertown Police Department to enforce federal immigration policies,” said Chief Hanrahan, reassuring attendees of the city’s welcoming stance.

Highlighting the morning’s celebration, the Unity Award was presented to Housing for All Watertown, a group dedicated to expanding affordable housing and engaging with city leaders to address community needs.

Watch the full Unity Breakfast:

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