Around Amherst: Annual MLK breakfast off, but fundraising carries on By SCOTT MERZBACH AMHERST — A breakfast to commemorate the life of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., held annually since 1984 and serving as a fundraiser for scholarships for high school seniors showing a passion for social justice, has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But the MLK Jr. Committee of Amherst, with the assistance of Amherst Media, will broadcast excerpts from past breakfasts Saturday, including guest speakers who have talked about King’s life and inspiration, youth musical performances and songs from the Amherst Area Gospel Choir. Vira Douangmany Cage, a member of Amherst Media’s board, said staff members at the nonprofit are working to put together the program, with plans to have some newly recorded comments.