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41st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Awards Dinner (VB Convention Center)
The Urban League of Hampton Roads proudly presents the 41st Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Awards Dinner on Thursday, January 16, 2025. This highly anticipated event celebrates the vision and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by recognizing individuals whose contributions to society reflect his ideals of service, equity, and empowerment.
This year’s celebration, themed "The Power of Words," will be held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, located at 1000 19th Street, Virginia Beach, VA. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and the program will commence at 7 PM. This annual gathering brings together a diverse community to honor leaders who inspire change, foster equity, and uphold the values of Dr. King in their daily lives.
The evening will feature a keynote address by Dr. Sarah Lewis, a renowned Harvard professor and author. Known for her transformative work in redefining cultural narratives and advocating for inclusivity, Dr. Lewis will inspire attendees to reflect on the role of communication in advancing social justice. Emmy-nominated journalist and Coast Live Co-Host, April Woodard, will return as the event’s emcee, bringing her engaging presence and guiding the evening’s program.
Among the distinguished honorees is Tim Reid, an acclaimed entertainer and community advocate, who will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. A native of Norfolk, Reid has dedicated his career to amplifying underrepresented voices and using storytelling as a tool for empowerment. Other esteemed honorees include Dr. Scott Miller, President of Virginia Wesleyan University; Victor Branch, Senior Vice President at Bank of America; Dr. Kenneth Alexander, Mayor of Norfolk; Donovan Duncan, Executive Vice President of Urban Strategies; Dr. Alfred Abuhamad, Dean of Eastern Virginia Medical School and Executive Vice President of Virginia Health Sciences at ODU; and Jeremy Bridges, President of the Hampton Roads Shipping Association.
As Gilbert Bland, President and CEO of the Urban League of Hampton Roads, shared, “Our MLK Leaders Celebration recognizes leaders who have demonstrated a commitment in their work and lives to the ideals and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King.” This year’s program not only honors their achievements but also serves as a platform to inspire dialogue about the enduring relevance of Dr. King’s teachings in today’s world.
Tickets and tables are now available for purchase online. Dinner will be served to all guests, and proceeds from the event will support the Urban League’s vital programs, which address education, employment, health, and housing disparities in the Hampton Roads community.
For those looking to make an even greater impact, sponsorship opportunities are also available. Businesses and individuals can learn more by visiting our website. Your participation helps further the Urban League’s mission to promote economic equity and civil rights across Hampton Roads.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2813274-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/2813274-2
