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Martin Luther King Jr. Service Awards

Legacy of now

This event is to recognize community members who make an impact with awards for Social Responsibility, Youth Development, Healthy Living and Leadership.

Address

Cultural Center of India - 6641 Ironbridge Pkwy Chester, VA 23832

Date

01/15/2026

Hours

5-8 p.m.

Register or Sponsor

register
register

event
includes

  • Catered meal
  • Awarding of honorees
  • Performance from local high school
  • YMCA teen engagement
  • Keynote speech
Teens performing a song
Mistress of Ceremonies singing at the MLK awards.
Picture of honorees grouped together.

celebrate our distinguished honorees

Join us in recognizing individuals who embody the spirit and values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through their leadership, service and unwavering commitment to justice and equality, these honorees inspire us all to build stronger, more inclusive communities. We celebrate their achievements and the positive impact they continue to make in shaping a better future.

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Donate and give a teen this unique experience

Your generosity can open doors for the next generation. By contributing, you can provide a local teen the opportunity to attend this inspiring celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. This experience fosters leadership, community engagement and a deeper understanding of justice and equality. Every gift helps create a brighter future. Invest in tomorrow by empowering a teen today.

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Mistress of Ceremonies singing at the MLK awards.

Engage Through Participation or sponsorship

Be a vital part of this celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy. Your involvement, whether through being a participant or a sponsor, helps us create an inspiring evening that uplifts our community and honors those who lead with courage and compassion. Together, we can amplify Dr. King’s vision of justice, equality and opportunity for all.

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Meet Our honorees and speakers 

Youth Development

Larry Murphy
Urban Development Corporation

Healthy Living

Dr. Joseph Wilkins
Bon Secours St. Francis Medical Center
Dr. Tonya Parris-Wilkins
Hampton Veterans Medical Center

Social Responsibility

Tammy Neale
Virginia Housing
Man stabding in business casual

Leadership

Kym Grinnage
Gray Television WWBT/NBC12 WUPV/CW Richmond

Keynote speaker

Sheila Battle
The Battlestation Corporation

Host

Ashley Hendricks
WWBT NBC 12

Co-host

William Kylvert
YMCA TEen Leader
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HERE. Thriving Starts

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