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43rd Annual MLK Community Leaders Awards
In partnership with Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, the Urban League of Hampton Roads presents the 43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Awards on Thursday, January 14, 2027, at 7:00 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. This annual celebration honors leaders whose contributions reflect Dr. King’s legacy of equality, service, and community advancement.
Keynote Speaker
Martin Luther King III
The eldest son of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. A civil rights advocate and global humanitarian, he has dedicated his life to advancing human rights and addressing racism, poverty, and violence. As Chairman of the Drum Major Institute, he carries forward his father’s commitment to nonviolence and social justice. His work also includes the Realize the Dream initiative, which seeks to inspire 100 million hours of service by the 100th anniversary of his father’s birth in 2029, and coauthoring “What Is My Legacy?” a book encouraging purposeful living and collective change.
Our 2027 MLK Awardees
Vanguard Award Recipient
Mayor Jimmy Gray
Hampton’s mayor and a former fire chief and assistant city manager, Mayor Gray brings extensive experience in public safety and municipal leadership. In 2026, he received the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities’ Peninsula Humanitarian Award, recognizing his commitment to inclusion and understanding across racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
Presenting Sponsor
Cultivate Our Beloved Community
Want to get involved with our MLK celebration for 2027? There's several ways to participate and inspire growth across the communities of Hampton Roads.
Become an Event Sponsor
Getting Started
- Submit your payment via PayPal* OR submit a check via mail**.
- Within a week of receiving payment, we will reach out to coordinate your ad graphics (if applicable) and marketing announcements.
- Two weeks prior to the event, we will confirm your table guests information and any dietary restrictions.
*You will receive an automated receipt.
**Send all checks to the following mailing address:
P.O. Box 61297, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23466
Submissions opening soon
Program Ads
Be a part of the Urban League of Hampton Roads' MLK Community Leaders Awards by representation in the Commemorative Keepsake featuring historical and current information. 1400 copies will be professionally printed and distributed. Please note that for 2 consecutive years, we have sold out of space. We urge you to place your orders as soon as possible. Note: The Urban League of Hampton Roads maintains the right to request modification or reject submissions. All ad artwork should be submitted as .pdf file format at 300 dpi resolution with no bleeds. If you have questions or need assistance with your ad, please contact cwiseman@ulhr.org.
Available Dimensions
$250
1/4 Page Color (3.5" width x 4.75" height)
$750
1/2 Page Color (7.5" width x 4.75" height)
$1,500
Full Page Color (8.5" width x 11" height)
Remembering Past Celebrations
In The Press
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The Urban League of Hampton Roads (ULHR) proudly announces the distinguished recipients of the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, presented durin…
Read more1.3K Guests Celebrated MLK’s Legacy and the Power Of Words with the Urban League of Hampton Roads
Words have the power to shape the narratives that define our beliefs and inspire action. This resonant truth was at the heart of the 41st Annual Marti…
Read moreWTKR: Celebrating the Legacy of MLK, Jr. on Coast Live
The Urban League of Hampton Roads is preparing for its 41st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration. The event honors community leaders who rep…
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