Saturday, April 4, 2026
Keynote Speaker: John W. Kinney, Ph.D.
Tickets - $45.00
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Dr. Martin Luther King’s Beloved Community opposes oppression and advocates against racism, poverty, and injustices. Dr. King was a passionate advocate for civil rights, social justice, desegregation, voting, education, housing, healthcare, jobs, and economic opportunities. And through his Poor People's Campaign, he addressed poverty, hunger, living wages and economic inequalities.
The Living the Dream, Inc., Community Service Recognitions and Awards are bestowed upon individuals and organizations whose contributions to the community are aligned with Dr. King’s human and civil rights, social Justice, Poor People’s Campaign and Beloved Community visions.
The 2026 MLK Beloved Community Awards Recipients
BUSINESS
WALLER & COMPANY JEWELERS
Founded in 1900, celebrating 125 years serving the Richmond Community; Waller & Company Jewelers is the country’s premier African-American family-owned full service retail jewelry business and the oldest Black-owned jewelry and watch repair shop in the nation.
MAMA J'S KITCHEN
Founded in 2009, the family-owned business is one of the notable soul food restaurants in America earning rave reviews from local and international food critics. Velma Johnson, (Mama J) is recognized as an award-winning chef with appearances on WTVR-TV 6 cooking segments; featured by ESPN, National Geographic, and Southern Living; Mama J’s has catered thousands of soul food enthusiasts including Governor Spanberger’s inauguration.
YOUTH ADVOCACY
Ujima Legacy Fund
Ujima Legacy Fund is an association of civic-minded African-American men who are increasing philanthropic presence and impact in the Metro Richmond community. The Ujima men have granted over $500,000 to projects that positively impact underserved youth and young adults, ages 12 to 21.
ARTS & HUMANITIES
REV. CORA ARMSTRONG
Singer, songwriter, and pianist. Cora Armstrong directed the internationally acclaimed VSU Gospel Chorale; and with her sisters she starred in those Harvey Girls, a musical that played at the Swift Creek Mill Theatre in Chesterfield County.
JOURNALISM
KYM GRINNAGE
Kym Grinnage - Regional Vice President/ Gray Television & General Manager/WWBT/12 On Your Side/WUPV/CW RICHMOND joined NBC12 as an account executive and rose through the ranks to become the station’s leader. He is the recipient of three Associated Press awards for Best Editorial and inducted into Virginia Communications Hall of Fame.
CRIMINAL/SOCIAL JUSTICE
KING SALIM KHALFANI – (Posthumous)
King Salim Khalfani, NAACP Executive Director from 1998 to 2014, and afterwards employed with Nexus Services, and Virginia Interfaith Center, was a lifelong champion for civil rights, and criminal justice reform. He advocated ending solitary confinement in Virginia prisons and alternatives to the Death Penalty. Khalfani fought for equity in city and state monetary contracts to minority businesses. Mr. Khalfani passed February 9, 2026
EDUCATION
JOANN HENRY, ED.D.- DREAM ACADEMY
A former RPS Assistant Principal, Dr. Henry created Dream Academy In 2010 for students who were failing or dropped out the traditional school setting. Using an approved curriculum from the Virginia Department of Education tailored for adults to obtain a high school diploma rather than a GED, Dream Academy has enabled over 800 adults obtain high school diplomas and workforce training.
RELIGION/CIVIL RIGHTS
REV. MARVIN L. GILLIAM JR.
Rev. Marvin Gilliam. is the Senior Pastor of The Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Richmond. He is a prominent community leader, serving as a Co-President of RISC (Richmonders Involved to Strengthen our Communities), and is actively involved in justice ministries, advocacy for affordable housing, and addressing gun violence
MEDICINE/HEALTH
DR. CHANTEL BROWN, HOPE PHARMACY
Dr. Shantelle L. Brown, Richmond’s first Black woman to own an independent pharmacy. Hope pharmacy addresses healthcare disparities and empowering the underserved community through education, relationship-building, affordable pricing and access to medication. She founded a mental health crisis center called Hope’s Promises to further serve the community