ORLANDO, Fla. — In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, countless civic leaders packed Faith Hall at First Baptist Church of Orlando on Monday morning to honor Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy, a Central Florida pioneer.

While he has since passed on, he once served as the first Black Orlando city commissioner, and his legacy continues to serve the community.

What You Need To Know

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, countless civic leaders packed Faith Hall at First Baptist Church of Orlando on Monday morning to honor Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy, a Central Florida pioneer

While he has since passed on, he once served as the first Black Orlando city commissioner, and his legacy continues to serve the community

This year at the Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast, 19 students received scholarships

Even for those who are too young to know the name, his impact extends from generation to generation, much like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Pappy” Kennedy also fought for change, and eventually he won.

While many only know of the man as the giant, who took on becoming the first in his community, to his great-granddaughter Brittney Waters, “Pappy” Kennedy is simply known as a small man in stature, with big dreams and an even bigger devotion to service and education.

“When he first ran, he didn’t win. So that’s a big thing that I keep. Keep trying, keep going to fulfill your dream. Then the second time he ran, and he ended up succeeding and winning, so that’s a big thing for him and Dr. Martin Luther King as well. Dream big,” said Waters.

As the first Black Orlando city commissioner, “Pappy” Kennedy paved the way for Black voices in Central Florida. And for the 35th year, the community gathered to celebrate his life and contributions.

“I moved here a few years ago and I think when you have events like this, it helps to make sure that a city that is growing so fast like we are, doesn’t lose sight of the people who have contributed to making this city great the way that it is now,” said YMCA of Central Florida President Kevin Bolding.

This year at the Arthur “Pappy” Kennedy Prayer Breakfast, 19 students received scholarships. And for Bolding, he says he’s glad to see the community has not left “Pappy” Kennedy’s legacy to be forgotten.