Living the Dream Inc. to host 5th annual MLK Memorial and Luncheon this April
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Living the Dream Inc. will be holding its fifth annual MLK Memorial and Awards Program on April 5.
The event will be hosted at Fifth Baptist Church, located at 1415 West Cary St., and will start at 2 p.m. Eight individuals will receive the 2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Award.
According to organizers, the award seeks to commemorate "the life, legacy and advocacy of Dr. King," which is a "testament to individuals whose hard work, dedication, and positive impact has had on our community."
This years recipients are as follows:
Religion & Civil Rights:
- Rev. Rodney Hunter, Pastor, Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church
Education:
- Rev. Dr. Howard Hopkins, Retired RPS Administrator
Youth Advocacy:
- Ellery Lundy, The Broken Men Foundation, Inc.
Arts & Humanities:
Desiree Roots, Grammy Nominated artist, director, and artistic educator
Journalism:
- Michael Pual Williams, RTD Columnist
Business:
- Barksdale Haggins, Barky's Christian Records & Books
Criminal Justice:
Phil Wilayto and Ana Edwards, The Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice and Equity
The programs keynote speaker this year will be Dr. Rev. James Coleman who currently serves as the Chair of Lynchburg City School Board and Finance Chair of the Virginia School Boards Association Board of Directors.
