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NewsSt Pete CatalystOctober 27, 2026Pinellas County

YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg hosts annual Community Prayer Breakfast focusing on unity

Photo: St Pete Catalyst

Local residents and leaders gathered at the St. Petersburg Coliseum for the YMCA's 24th annual Community Prayer Breakfast to discuss community connection. The event featured keynote speeches from educator Erin Gruwell and YMCA of the USA President and CEO Suzanne McCormick, alongside the presentation of an award to Police Chief Anthony Holloway.

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Why It Matters

The gathering brought together community leaders, educators, and law enforcement officials to discuss regional approaches to addressing social isolation and civic division.

Key Facts

  • The YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg hosted its 24th annual Community Prayer Breakfast at the St. Petersburg Coliseum.
  • Educator and activist Erin Gruwell and YMCA of the USA President and CEO Suzanne McCormick served as the event's keynote speakers.
  • Erin Gruwell is known for her teaching work in the 1990s at Woodrow Wilson High School, which inspired the book The Freedom Writers Diary and the 2007 film Freedom Writers.
  • Suzanne McCormick assumed the role of president and CEO of YMCA of the USA in 2021 as the first woman to lead the organization.
  • McCormick discussed the YMCA of the USA's 175th anniversary and a new initiative called Creating Connected Communities aimed at addressing social isolation.
  • St. Petersburg Police Department Chief Anthony Holloway received the Chester James Award at the gathering.
  • Chief Holloway began his law enforcement career with the Clearwater Police Department in 1985 and took his current role in August 2014.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationWoodrow Wilson High School“High school in Long Beach, California where Gruwell previously taught.”OrganizationYMCA of the USA“National organization led by Suzanne McCormick.”OrganizationYMCA of Greater St. Petersburg“Organization that hosted the 24th annual Community Prayer Breakfast.”otherFreedom Writers“2007 film starring Hilary Swank.”OrganizationFreedom Writers Foundation“Foundation created by Gruwell to support educators.”PersonSuzanne McCormick“YMCA of the USA President and CEO who served as a keynote speaker.”locationSt. Petersburg Coliseum“Venue where the prayer breakfast was held.”OrganizationUnited Way Worldwide“Organization where McCormick previously served as U.S. President.”PersonAnthony Holloway“St. Petersburg Police Department chief who received the Chester James Award.”locationLos Angeles“City where Gruwell began her teaching career.”locationSomerville“City in Massachusetts where Holloway served as Chief of Police.”PersonErin Gruwell“Educator and activist who served as a keynote speaker.”locationTampa“City where United Way Suncoast operates.”OrganizationClearwater Police Department“Police department where Holloway began his career.”locationTampa Bay“Region mentioned in a related headline.”PersonHilary Swank“Actress who starred in the film Freedom Writers.”otherThe Freedom Writers Diary“New York Times bestselling book based on Gruwell's students' stories.”OrganizationUnited Way Suncoast“Organization based in Tampa where McCormick served as president and CEO.”PersonLouis Armstrong“Mentioned in a separate headline reference at the end of the article.”OrganizationSt. Petersburg Police Department“Police department led by Chief Anthony Holloway.”locationLong Beach“City in California.”