On the day after the 57th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, the community will come together to recognize individuals who continue his fight for justice and progress at the 5th Annual MLK Memorial Luncheon and Awards Program, hosted by Living the Dream, Inc. The event will take place 2 p.m., April 5 at 5th Baptist Church. 

During the luncheon, eight individuals will be honored with the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Award, recognizing their dedication and positive impact on the Richmond community. This prestigious award honors those whose work reflects the life, legacy and advocacy of King.

The 2025 award recipients include the Rev. Rodney Hunter, pastor of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, who will be recognized for his contributions to religion and civil rights. Dr. Howard Hopkins, a retired administrator from Richmond Public Schools, will receive the award for his work in education. Ellery Lundy, from The Broken Men Foundation, will be honored for his efforts in youth advocacy. Desiree Roots, a director, and artistic educator, will be recognized for her contributions to the arts and humanities. Michael Paul Williams, a local metro columnist will receive the award for journalism. Barksdale Haggins, owner of Barky’s Christian Records & Books, will be honored for his contributions to business. Phil Wilayto and Ana Edwards, from The Virginia Defenders for Freedom, Justice and Equality, will receive the award for their work in criminal justice.

Past recipients of the award include the late Raymond Boone, founder and publisher of the Richmond Free Press; the late Sen. Henry Marsh; Attorney Sa’ad El Amin; Yvonne Brandon, former RPS Superintendent; and Freda Thornton, the first Black female McDonald’s franchisee in the area.

The keynote speaker for the program will be the Rev. James Coleman, chair of the Lynchburg City School Board and Finance Chair of the Virginia School Boards Association Board of Directors. Coleman also serves as faculty chair and director of the doctor of ministry program at Virginia University of Lynchburg and is the president of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia.

Living the Dream Inc., founded in 1978 as “Community Learning Week,” was one of the first nationwide observances commemorating King’s birthday. In January 1999, it became Living the Dream Inc. and began conducting year-round events focused on King’s civil rights legacy. The Martin Luther King Memorial Award was established to further this mission and honor King’s contributions to justice and equality.