Boaz & Ruth, Fifth Street Baptist Church, and Urban Financial Services Coalition welcome you to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Our keynote speaker is Robert Dortch is the Principal Coach/Consultant for Jordan/Sydnor Innovation Group, where he does consulting and leadership coaching business for individuals and organizations where he served local, national and international clients. Performers this year include Desirée Roots and Arthur Roots who will do a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King in song and prose accompanied by Michelle Lightfoot. The evening will also include inspirational music, dance and spoken word selections by vocalist Signs of Praise dance group, saxaphonist Dr. Frank Branch, and the John Marshall High School Band.

Host and Mistress of Ceremonies are Ditu Kasuyi & Adrienne P. Whitaker. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated-Xi Delta Lambda Chapter will lead us in our closing symbolic Unity March for Freedom. Serving as our hostesses again this year will be the James River Valley (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. This year’s event is presented in partnership with LUX Church and St. Elizabeth Catholic Church.

We will celebrate the accomplishments of the leaders and organizations that receive this year’s MLK Drum Major Awards. Honorees are recognized for making a difference in the lives of others.

The Honorees

• Randy Cooper, 4ward Thinking Marketing Foundation Project
• Sheryl Elmore, Trustee, Fifth Street Baptist Church (Eugene Mason Life-time Achievement Award)
• Housing Family First
• Dr. Harold Jones, III, MD
• Philip Miller, Boaz and Ruth Board Member
• Ella Schultz, Community Leader, Highland Park
• Anita Wynn, Virginia State University

“Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.