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We honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on his birthday—Thursday, January 15, 2026—at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in the host city, with Presenting Sponsor Dollar Tree.
Our 42nd Annual MLK Celebration, themed “Becoming Beloved CommUNITY,” was a time-honored, cherished regional tradition that unites all 757 cities for an intergenerational event designed to:
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Reflect and Celebrate the enduring impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.;
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Honor Visionary Leaders whose service and achievements have a lasting, positive impact on our community— inspiring generations to come; and
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Actualize the Dream by coming together as a community committed to advancing peace and love for all.
This year’s program spotlighted four extraordinary honorees whose leadership embodies Dr. King’s vision and strengthens the future of our region. The evening also featured keynote remarks from Ms. Carly Fiorina, a nationally renowned speaker and Virginia’s National Honorary Chairperson of the VA250 Commission.
ms. carly fiorina
Keynote Speaker
our 2026 MLK Awardees
We are proud to honor the leaders that guide our community toward social and economic equality.
dr. l.d britt
Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS)
Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston
Norfolk State University
Mr. Greg Garrett
Community Advocate
dr. Deborah M. DiCroce
Hampton Roads Community Foundation
EVENT SPONSORS
PRESENTING SPONSOR
more participating SPONSORs
BECOME AN EVENT SPONSOR
Thank you for your consideration of sponsorship at the following levels which supports programs for health, housing, education, and financial independence. We are officially CLOSED to accepting additional sponsors for our 42nd Anniversary of the MLK Community Celebration.
MORE THAN $25,000 - Championing Sponsor
Please contact [email protected] for custom offering.
$25,000 - Empowerment Sponsor
- Recognition as Empowerment Sponsor on all promotional materials & ULHR platforms (tv, radio, social media, website) and live recognition during dinner.
- Two full page ads in commemorative booklet.
- Four VIP Reception tickets with 2 special parking spaces
- Three tables of 10.
- Two tables donated to local high school and HBCU students.
- Urban League membership for 25 employees
- Logo and link visibility on ULHR website.
- Recognition at 2026 ULHR events.
$15,000 - Bridge Builder Sponsor
- Recognition as Bridge Builder Sponsor on all promotional materials & ULHR platforms (tv, radio, social media) and live recognition during dinner.
- Two full page ads in commemorative booklet.
- Four VIP Reception tickets with 1 special parking spaces.
- Two corporate tables of 10.
- Urban League membership for 10 employees.
- Corporate logo and link visibility on ULHR website.
$10,000 - supporting partners
- Recognition as a Supporting Partner Sponsor on social media and dinner presentation slide.
- Full page ad in commemorative booklet.
- One table of 10.
- One table donated to local high school and HBCU students.
- Logo and link visibility on ULHR website.
- Urban League membership for 5 employees.
$2,500 - collaborative partners
- Recognition as a Collaborative Partner Sponsor on social media.
- Half page ad in commemorative booklet.
- Logo and link visibility on ULHR website.
- One table of 10.
- Urban League membership for 2 employees.
- Donation that exceeds the fair market value of event attendance may be tax deductible.
$1,000 - engagement partners
- One table of 10.
PURCHASE TICKETS
Your participation helps advance the Urban League’s mission to empower communities and change lives. By attending and supporting this celebration, you share in the work of expanding opportunity, strengthening unity, and continuing Dr. King’s legacy of service and justice. We are officially sold out of tickets for this event. If you purchased tickets and need support, please contact [email protected] or call (757) 777-5170 for assistance.
PROGRAM BOOKLET INSERTS
We SOLD OUT of space in our program booklet for our 42nd Anniversary of the MLK Community Celebration. We look forward to sharing it with our esteemed guests.
