New Bern, North Carolina, will host its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial brunch on Thursday, March 12, 2026, featuring Tryon Palace Director Carl Guttmann as the keynote speaker.
The event, a longstanding tradition in the city, commemorates the life and legacy of the civil rights leader. According to WCTI News, Guttmann’s address is expected to focus on themes of equality and community service.
The brunch is being held as part of a broader focus on Black History Month, as highlighted by WCTI’s “Beyond the Headlines” series. The series aims to bring attention to the contributions and experiences of African Americans throughout history.
Tryon Palace, a historic site in New Bern, has increasingly emphasized its commitment to interpreting the full history of North Carolina, including the experiences of enslaved people who labored there. Guttmann’s selection as a speaker suggests a continued effort to engage with these complex narratives.
Details regarding the location and time of the brunch have not been publicly released by Tryon Palace or WCTI as of Thursday morning.
