A quiet reflection will precede an afternoon of celebration as the 23rd Annual MLK Community Celebration & Drum Major Awards takes center stage Sunday, Jan. 12, at Fifth Street Baptist Church, honoring those who live out Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service and leadership.

The free event, held at 2800 3rd Ave., runs from 3 to 5 p.m. and is presented by Boaz & Ruth, Fifth Street Baptist Church and the Urban Financial Services Coalition. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., with a meditation moment at 2:45 p.m.

Keynote speaker Robert Dortch, principal coach and consultant for the Jordan/Sydnor Innovation Group, will share reflections on Dr. King’s enduring impact. Dortch, known for his work with local, national and international clients, is expected to share his insights on leadership and community engagement.

The program will feature performances by Desirée and Arthur Roots, who will present a musical and prose tribute to Dr. King accompanied by Michelle Lightfoot. Other highlights include the Signs of Praise dance group, saxophonist Frank Branch and the John Marshall High School Band, delivering inspirational music, dance and spoken word.

Serving as hosts are Ditu Kasuyi and Adrienne P. Whitaker, while members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Xi Delta Lambda Chapter will lead the symbolic Unity March for Freedom. Hostesses from the James River Valley Chapter of The Links will assist with the program. A candlelight march and reception will cap the evening.

The presentation of the MLK Drum Major Awards will recognize individuals and organizations making meaningful contributions to their communities. This year’s honorees include Randy Cooper of the 4ward Thinking Marketing Foundation Project; Sheryl Elmore, a trustee at Fifth Street Baptist Church and recipient of the Eugene Mason Lifetime Achievement Award; Housing Families First; Dr. Harold Jones III; Philip Miller, a board member of Boaz & Ruth; Ella Schultz, a community leader in Highland Park; and Anita Wynn of Virginia State University.

Held in partnership with LUX Church and St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, the event will be broadcast live on fifthstreetbaptist.org and shared on social media platforms.

The Unity March for Freedom will begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by a reception and dinner to close the celebration.