The MWUL Empowerment Breakfast brought Wilmington’s community, business and civic leaders together at Riverfront Events on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026. Hosted by the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, the morning featured a keynote from journalist Roland Martin, a Project Ready youth spotlight and awards for six honorees making a difference in Delaware. DETV carried the full program live. Watch it below.
In This Article
Empowerment Breakfast 2026 at a Glance
Nov. 12, 2026
Thursday morning
Riverfront Events
760 Justison St., Wilmington
Jennifer Lewis
Event host
Roland Martin
Keynote speaker
What Is the MWUL Empowerment Breakfast?
The Empowerment Breakfast is the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League’s annual fundraiser. Each fall, it brings supporters together to celebrate the people and partners advancing MWUL’s mission: to empower people of color to achieve economic self-reliance, parity and civil rights.
MWUL was founded in 1999 as the Wilmington-area affiliate of the National Urban League, one of the nation’s oldest civil rights organizations. Today the League is led by President and CEO Eric Jones, who shared his vision for the organization in a recent Good Morning Delaware interview with Eric Jones.
Roland Martin Delivers the Keynote
Event host Jennifer Lewis welcomed featured keynote speaker Roland Martin to the stage. Martin is a nationally known journalist, author and host of the daily digital news show #RolandMartinUnfiltered, where he covers politics, civil rights and issues that matter to Black communities across the country.
His appearance brought a national voice to a very local mission. Watch his full keynote in the video above.
Project Ready Youth Spotlight
The program also handed the microphone to the next generation with a Project Ready youth spotlight. Project Ready is the National Urban League’s college and career readiness program. It helps middle and high school students build the academic, social and leadership skills they need for life after graduation.
The Urban League in Wilmington by the Numbers
1999
Year MWUL was founded
~90
Urban League affiliates nationwide
4
Core MWUL program areas
6
2026 award recipients
Meet the 2026 Empowerment Breakfast Honorees
This year’s award recipients represent corporate partners, community organizations and public servants who have helped move Wilmington forward:
2026 Empowerment Breakfast Award Recipients
- JPMorgan Chase: corporate honoree
- APRI: award accepted by Dr. Bailey
- Dr. Powell: community honoree
- The Honorable Margaret Rose Henry: former Delaware state senator
- Ron Kimbrough: community honoree
- U.S. Representative Sarah McBride: represents Delaware in Congress
Each honoree was recognized on stage during the livestream, so you can hear their acceptance remarks in the full video.
Why the Empowerment Breakfast Matters
Ticket and sponsorship sales from the Empowerment Breakfast go directly to the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League. That support helps power programs that serve families across the Wilmington area.
How MWUL Serves Wilmington
- Advocacy: community programs that advance equity, leadership and justice
- Education: academic, social and professional support for students
- Leadership: the James H. Gilliam, Sr. Fellowship, which develops policy makers, advocates and community organizers
- Housing: emergency housing assistance through DEHAP and the Housing Resource Partner Program, in partnership with the Delaware State Housing Authority
Events like the MWUL Empowerment Breakfast keep that work visible and funded, and they give the community a chance to thank the people behind it.
How to Support the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League
Missed the breakfast? You can still get involved. Visit MWUL.org to learn about programs, upcoming events and ways to give. You can also watch our interview with MWUL CEO Eric Jones to hear more about where the League is headed.
MWUL Empowerment Breakfast FAQ
When was the 2026 MWUL Empowerment Breakfast?
The Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League held its 2026 Empowerment Breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, at Riverfront Events, 760 Justison St. in Wilmington, Delaware.
Who was the keynote speaker at the 2026 Empowerment Breakfast?
Journalist and #RolandMartinUnfiltered host Roland Martin delivered the keynote. Jennifer Lewis served as the event host.
Who was honored at the 2026 MWUL Empowerment Breakfast?
This year’s award recipients were JPMorgan Chase, APRI (accepted by Dr. Bailey), Dr. Powell, The Honorable Margaret Rose Henry, Ron Kimbrough and U.S. Representative Sarah McBride.
What is the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League?
The Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League (MWUL) is the Wilmington-area affiliate of the National Urban League. Founded in 1999, its mission is to empower people of color to achieve economic self-reliance, parity and civil rights.
Where can I watch the 2026 Empowerment Breakfast?
You can watch the full program in the video at the top of this article or on the DETV YouTube channel.
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