The King Center sets virtual “Beloved Community” Awards Jan. 16

ATLANTA—Every year, The King Center in Atlanta leads the nation-wide observance of the national holiday commemorating the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. One of the marquee events of the King Center’s week-long holiday experience will be the “Beloved Community Awards” (formally “The Salute to Greatness” Award). The Beloved Community Awards recognize national and international individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence in leadership; pursue the universal quest for social justice and who are committed to creating the Beloved Community, a more just, humane and peaceful world, in the tradition of Martin Luther King, Jr.

To register for the free virtual event and for more information on other events hosted by The King Center, visit thekingcenter.org.

HONOREE INFORMATION:

CHAIR: Ed Bastian, CEO, Delta Air Lines

CO-HOSTS:Julie Chen & Kevin Frazier

YOUTH INFLUENCER AWARD:

Yasmin Poole, National AmbassadorPresenter: Mari Copeny, “Little Miss Flint” , Youth Activist

CIVIC LEADERSHIP AWARD:Mayor Michael Tubbs,Former Mayor of Stockton, CAPresenter: Keisha Lance Bottoms, Mayor, City of Atlanta

TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION AWARD:Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC)Presenter: Will Packer, Founder and CEO Will Packer Productions

SOCIAL JUSTICE AWARD:

Alicia Garza, Black Lives MatterOpal Tometi, Black Lives MatterPatrisse Khan-Cullors, Black Lives Matter

Presenter: Angela Rye, Host, Political and Cultural Commentator, IMPACT Strategies

CHRISTINE KING FARRIS “LEGACY OF SERVICE IN EDUCATION” AWARD:

Ron Clark, Founder, Ron Clark Academy

Presenter: Farris Christine Watkins, Granddaughter of Christine King Farris & Great Niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

BELOVED COMMUNITY SALUTE TO GREATNESS AWARD:

Charles “Chuck” Feeney

Presenter: by Sheryl Sandberg, Chief Operating Officer, Facebook Inc.

Salute to Greatness Corporate Social Impact

Oprah Winfrey Network

Presenter: Steve Cahillane, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Kellogg Company.

CORETTA SCOTT KING “SOUL OF A NATION” AWARD:

Johnnetta B. Cole, Ph.D.,National Chair & President, National Council of Negro Women, Inc.

Presenter: Jennifer Beal Fields, Great Niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., CEO Beal Wellness

YOLANDA DENISE KING “HIGHER GROUND” AWARD:

Lady Gaga

Presenter: Jennifer Hudson, Award-winning Singer, Actress and Philanthropist

PERFORMANCES:

• Marsha Ambrosius, Carl Thomas, Chrisette Michele,
• Cellist- Jenn Cornell
• Malea Emma , singer
• Spoken Word Artist: J. Ivy