FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 11, 2024) – Gov. Andy Beshear will host the 56th annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast Tuesday, March 12, at the Exum Center at Kentucky State University in Frankfort. The theme for this year’s Prayer Breakfast is “Forward Together in Faith, Empathy and Compassion.” The event begins at 7:30 a.m. EST (doors open at 7 a.m.), and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman will serve as emcee.
“As we do each year, we will gather in fellowship to renew our bonds with one another and to celebrate our relationship with God,” said Gov. Beshear. “This year, we’re putting a focus on moving forward, together, and how we can do that with compassion and with equity, so we don’t leave anyone behind.”
Former University of Kentucky men’s basketball point guard Dominque Hawkins and former University of Louisville men’s basketball point guard Peyton Siva will be the keynote speakers at the breakfast. Both athletes have cited their faith as a major driver in their lives. Hawkins, a native of Richmond, Kentucky, is involved in youth sports in Central Kentucky. Siva, originally from Seattle, Washington, is still involved in Louisville’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
A feature of the event is the annual William Cooper Faith and Community in Action award. Established in 2009, the award is named for Rev. William Jefferson Cooper Sr. of West Port, Kentucky, who founded the Governor’s Prayer Breakfast in Kentucky after attending the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. The recipient of the 2024 Cooper Award is Stable Recovery, whose mission is to provide a safe and stable living environment for men in early recovery. The Lexington-based organization is a peer-driven therapeutic community with a focus on equine-related employment opportunities.
Faith leaders participating in tomorrow’s event include Rabbi Shani Abramowitz of Ohavay Zion Synagogue in Lexington; Dr. Muhammad Babar of Muslim Americans for Compassion; Rev. Dr. Steven M. Kelsey, archbishop of Spirit Filled New Life Church Ministries in Louisville; Rev. Dr. Walter Malone Jr., pastor of Canaan Christian Church in Louisville; and Rev. Leslie W. Whitlock, pastor of First Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church in Frankfort.
State leaders will also play a role, providing “Prayers for Our Leaders.” Rep. Derrick Graham will represent the legislative branch; Kentucky State Supreme Court Justice Michelle M. Keller will represent the judicial branch; and the Lieutenant Governor will represent the executive branch.
Recording artist Chanson Calhoun will provide the musical entertainment at the Prayer Breakfast. Calhoun is a native of Louisville whose most recent release, “Rebirth,” is available on most music streaming platforms.