SMAIC Presents: MLK Freedom Celebration & Breakfast

Event Overview
On Friday, January 16, 2026, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Santa Monica will be the location for an inspiring morning gathering: breakfast at 7:30 a.m., followed by an 8:00 a.m. program of powerful words, song, and spirit. Grounded in this year’s theme, “From the Illusion of Separation to the Practice of Love,” the celebration invites participants to see one another anew, and remember that we belong to each other.

The program will feature keynote speaker Alisa Osunfunke Orduna, Ph.D., along with Gerald C. Rivers — “The Voice of Dr. King” — renowned musician and spiritual creative Rickie Byars, acclaimed actor and spiritual storyteller Ben Youcef, and other luminaries who inspire the soul. Come for the food that nourishes; stay for the spirit that uplifts, as reflections, prayer, music, and story are woven together into a powerful hour of brilliance and prophetic vision in the spirit of Dr. King’s dream.

The suggested donation is $20, and no one will be turned away; all are welcome, and all identities, traditions, and backgrounds are invited to the table. Please register in advance to help us prepare with care, and share the invitation widely — because together, we rise.

About Our Keynote: Alisa Osunfunke Orduna, Ph.D.
Alisa Osunfunke Orduna, Ph.D., is a visionary social justice leader, depth psychologist, and community healer with over 28 years of experience in community development, policy analysis, and advocacy. Her life’s work centers on creating a world where everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging by ending homelessness, dismantling systemic barriers, and advancing racial equity through participatory action research, innovative program design, and authentic community engagement.

She is the founder and CEO of the Florence Aliese Advancement Network (FAAN), a research and community engagement firm that partners with public agencies, nonprofits, and community leaders to co-create sustainable, transformative solutions to homelessness and racial injustice. Alisa holds a Ph.D. in depth psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute and is the creator of Osun Consciousness™, a groundbreaking modality that supports healing collective unconscious anti-Black racial bias and historical trauma by integrating cultural wisdom, psychology, and collective healing practices.

Rooted in the Yoruba spiritual tradition of Ifa as an initiated priestess of Osun/Obatala, Alisa brings a profound spiritual lens to her work for equity and reconciliation. She serves on the faculty at the University of Southern California’s Price School of Public Policy, where she teaches a graduate-level Social Justice Seminar, and at Santa Monica College, where she teaches in the Homeless Service Worker Certificate program, mentoring emerging leaders to think critically, act compassionately, and lead courageously.

A published author, dynamic speaker, and skilled facilitator, Alisa weaves expressive arts, storytelling, history, and dialogue to engage and empower audiences, amplifying marginalized voices and helping communities imagine new possibilities for justice and healing. Her keynote at the MLK Freedom Celebration & Breakfast will invite participants to move from fear to love, from fragmentation to wholeness, and from passive hope to active, liberating faith.

Invitation to Register
Seats are limited for this intimate, spirit-filled gathering; early RSVP is encouraged. Scan the QR code or use the Eventbrite registration link to reserve your place at the table, and join in a morning where Dr. King’s dream is not only remembered, but is being expressed and experienced.

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Host or Publisher Santa Monica Area Interfaith Council