On the morning of January 19, 2026, the city of Birmingham gathered to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the 40th Annual MLK Unity Breakfast. Held at The STAR Church, this significant event brought together community leaders, civic organizations, faith communities, and local residents to reflect on Dr. King's message of justice, equality, and service. Hosted by the Birmingham Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and coordinated by the Community Affairs Committee (CAC), the Unity Breakfast has become a cornerstone of the city’s MLK Day observances for four decades.
This year's breakfast was especially meaningful, as it commemorated 40 years of bringing people together in the spirit of unity and public service. The theme of the 2026 event, "Putting Things Back Into Perspective," emphasized the need to recommit to the core values Dr. King championed—equality, nonviolence, compassion, and civic responsibility.
Among the civic leaders who played an integral role in making this year’s event a success was Honza Prchal, attorney at HGD Law Firm, who currently serves on the Community Affairs Committee. Prchal’s service exemplifies the values HGD holds dear—leadership, commitment to community, and the belief that meaningful change begins with personal action.
A Tradition of Unity, Built on Legacy
First held in 1986, the MLK Unity Breakfast has grown into one of the largest and most respected annual events honoring Dr. King’s legacy in the Southeast. What began as a modest breakfast among community leaders has evolved into a citywide gathering, drawing hundreds of attendees from all walks of life—students, business leaders, activists, clergy, educators, and everyday citizens—united by a shared commitment to progress.
The 2026 program began with a continental breakfast and was followed by an inspiring lineup of speakers and presentations. This year’s event paid special tribute to the late Aaron Carlton, a longtime champion of community development and civic service, whose leadership and dedication helped shape the Unity Breakfast into the impactful event it is today. His work laid the foundation for a tradition rooted in reflection, fellowship, and a call to action.
In honoring Carlton’s memory, the breakfast served as a poignant reminder of the power of individual leadership to influence generations. It also underscored the responsibility each of us has to carry forward the torch of justice.
The Role of the Community Affairs Committee
The Community Affairs Committee (CAC) serves as the organizing body behind the annual Unity Breakfast. Composed of professionals, faith leaders, and civic volunteers, the CAC works year-round to ensure that the event remains both a solemn tribute and a powerful call for change. The committee’s responsibilities go far beyond logistics—they curate programming that reflects Dr. King's principles and ensures that every year’s theme speaks to the challenges and opportunities facing Birmingham today.
Attorney Honza Prchal has brought his skills, compassion, and civic mindset to the CAC, helping shape an event that continues to inspire. His involvement demonstrates HGD Law Firm’s deep-rooted belief that law is not just about litigation—it’s about advocacy, leadership, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the community.
HGD Law Firm: Committed to Service Beyond the Courtroom
At HGD Law Firm, community engagement is not a side initiative—it’s woven into the fabric of who we are. With 16 dedicated attorneys and a 30-person support team, we are committed not only to delivering exceptional results for our clients but also to strengthening the communities where we live and serve.
Participation in events like the MLK Unity Breakfast aligns directly with HGD’s core values: Client-Centered, Integrity Driven, Respectful, Committed, Leadership Oriented, and Excellence Focused—known internally as the CIRCLE values. Through civic involvement, volunteer service, and leadership roles in impactful community organizations, our attorneys live out these values in real, tangible ways.
Attorney Honza Prchal’s role on the CAC reflects that commitment in action. His leadership is one example of how our team steps forward to create meaningful change—not only for our clients but for the city of Birmingham as a whole.
Inspiration That Lasts Beyond the Day
While the MLK Unity Breakfast is a once-a-year gathering, its purpose extends well beyond the calendar. It’s a moment of collective reflection, yes—but also a prompt to examine how we each contribute to justice, inclusion, and progress in our daily lives. It reminds us that honoring Dr. King means more than remembering his words—it means embodying them.
For HGD Law Firm, that means continuing to lead with integrity, fight for those without a voice, and ensure that our legal expertise translates into better outcomes and stronger communities. As we look to the year ahead, we carry with us the spirit of this year’s breakfast: one of perspective, purpose, and perseverance.
Looking Ahead
In 2026, we are reminded that unity is not just a theme—it’s a practice. From legal advocacy to community leadership, HGD Law Firm remains steadfast in our mission to make a meaningful difference. We’re proud of the work our team members, like Honze Prchal, do both in and out of the courtroom, and we remain committed to being a force for good in Birmingham and beyond.
As Dr. King once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” At HGD, we answer that question with action—every day.
