2025 MLK Breakfast Keynote Speaker

The Tampa Organization of Black Affairs (TOBA) and the TOBA Foundation announces its selection of Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley as the keynote speaker for its 2025 45th Annual TOBA Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Leadership Breakfast.  Dr. Wesley Is the senior pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church (ASBC) in Alexandria, VA, leading it as only the eighth pastor in its 217-year history. Under his leadership, ASBC has grown from 2,800 to 10,000 members, with 60,000 online viewers monthly and 80 ministries. 

Known for his commitment to social justice, Dr. Wesley’s impactful sermons on racial justice issues have been recognized by Time magazine and archived in the National Museum of African American History and Culture. ASBC, under his guidance, was also the first church to donate $1 million to the museum. A sought-after speaker, Dr. Wesley’s messages have resonated with national leaders, including former President Barack Obama. His YouTube sermons have surpassed 100 million views, and his radio program “Faith Forward” is one of the most popular in the DC area. 

Dr. Wesley has received several prestigious awards, including the NAACP’s Chairman’s Award and the Laurel Wreath Award from Kappa Alpha Psi.  Originally from Chicago, Dr. Wesley graduated magna cum laude from Duke University and later pursued theological studies at Boston University. He has taught at Hartford Seminary, Boston University, and Virginia Theological Seminary, and serves on the boards of Virginia Union University and other institutions. An avid golfer and proud father of two sons, he continues to inspire through his ministry and advocacy for justice.