Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer invites the community to the 13th annual Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast, presented by Community Christian Concern, on Friday, January 31, 2025. The event will be held at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, located at 2056 Second Street. Doors open at 7 a.m., and the program will begin promptly at 7:30 a.m.

This year’s guest speaker is Ted Jackson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, renowned storyteller, and author of the acclaimed memoir You Ought to Do a Story About Me. With nearly 34 years of experience at The Times-Picayune, Jackson’s work has inspired countless readers and highlighted compelling human stories, making him a perfect choice to address the themes of this event.

Jackson’s career is distinguished by his ability to capture the humanity within everyday moments. During his time with The Times-Picayune, he documented some of the most pivotal events in New Orleans history, including Hurricane Katrina’s devastation and the rich cultural heritage of Louisiana. He was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for his role in The Times-Picayune’s coverage of Katrina and its aftermath, a series that depicted the struggles and resilience of the affected communities.

In his memoir, You Ought to Do a Story About Me, Jackson reminisces about his decades-long journey as a journalist and his life-changing encounter with Jackie Wallace, a former NFL player whose struggles with homelessness and addiction became the focus of one of Jackson’s most impactful stories. Today, Jackson continues to engage audiences with his inspirational speaking engagements, focusing on themes of compassion, faith, and storytelling.

Tickets to the community breakfast are available for $20 and can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com. Sponsorship opportunities are available for $150, which include eight tickets and acknowledgment during the event. For more details about sponsorships, please contact Community Christian Concern at (985) 646-0357.

The annual Mayor’s Community Prayer Breakfast is a time-honored tradition in Slidell, bringing together citizens from all walks of life to reflect, pray, and unite. For the latest updates and information, visit MySlidell.com or follow the City of Slidell’s Facebook page.