Urban League of Hampton Roads announces Emperors for the 42nd Regional MLK Community Celebration Awards; Black PR Wire Inc.
Honoring Community Pillars: Celebrating the 42nd Regional MLK Community Celebration AwardsAs we reflect on the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it's heartening to see individuals who embody his spirit of justice, equality, and nonviolent social change being recognized for their outstanding contributions to our community. The Urban League of Hampton Roads (ULHR) has proudly announced the esteemed recipients of the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, presented during the 42nd Regional MLK Community Celebration.
This year's honorees are truly deserving of this recognition. Dr. L.D. Britt, a renowned Brickhouse Professor of Surgery at Eastern Virginia Medical School, has made a profound impact on medicine and education. His dedication to improving healthcare outcomes and advancing medical knowledge is an inspiration to us all. Similarly, Dr. Deborah DiCroce, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, has been honored for her tireless work in philanthropy and community investment. Her commitment to creating positive change through strategic partnerships and resource allocation is a shining example of leadership.
We are also thrilled to recognize Mr. Greg Garrett, Founder of Counteract International and founding chairperson of several prominent regional and national business organizations, including the Southeast Virginia Chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to fostering economic growth and development in our community are truly commendable. Lastly, we celebrate Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, President of Norfolk State University, for her transformative leadership in higher education. Her commitment to empowering students and promoting academic excellence is a testament to the power of education in shaping our future.
The 42nd Regional MLK Community Celebration Dinner will take place on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Virginia Beach Convention Center. This event promises to be an unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration, featuring keynote speaker Carly Fiorina, a highly accomplished American business leader and National Honorary Chair of the Virginia 250 Commission. Ms. Fiorina will deliver a timely message focusing on connecting history with the present to inspire healing and a recommitment to American ideals.
The celebration is made possible by generous sponsors like Dollar Tree, Inc., who share our commitment to creating positive change in our community. The dinner serves as a critical intergenerational event, bringing together attendees from all walks of life to champion unity and raise funds to support the ULHR's ongoing programming and scholarships.
As we gather to honor these remarkable individuals, let us remember the significance of their contributions and the impact they have had on our community. Their dedication to creating a more just and equitable society is a beacon of hope for us all. We are proud to recognize them as pillars of our community, and we look forward to continuing their legacy through our collective efforts.
If you're interested in learning more about this year's honorees or would like to attend the 42nd Regional MLK Community Celebration Dinner, please visit the official website or email ambassador@ulhr.org. Together, let us celebrate these outstanding individuals and recommit ourselves to creating a brighter future for all.
The Urban League of Hampton Roads' mission is to enable African Americans and others to secure economic self-reliance, parity, and power and civil rights. Through direct services, advocacy, research, policy analysis, community mobilization, and collaboration, the ULHR provides essential support in education, employment, health, and housing to Hampton Roads communities.
As we celebrate these remarkable individuals and their contributions, let us also acknowledge the critical work of the Urban League of Hampton Roads in advancing social justice and promoting economic empowerment. Their dedication to creating a more equitable society is an inspiration to us all, and we are honored to be part of this movement.
In conclusion, the 42nd Regional MLK Community Celebration Awards are a testament to the power of community leadership and the impact that individuals can have on our world. Let us continue to celebrate these outstanding leaders and strive to create a brighter future for ourselves, our children, and generations to come.
