The lilting sounds of “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing” performed by the Virginia Union University Choir helped set the stage for the 46th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Celebration on Friday, Jan. 10.

Virginia Union University, Dominion Energy, Living The Dream Inc. and CBS 6 sponsor the annual breakfast which drew approximately 2,000 people. Dozens of elected officials, politicians, business, civic and corporate leaders work up early to enter the Richmond Marriott’s Grand Ballroom to commemorate the legacy of Dr. King, who had he not died at the hands of an assassin in 1968. Dr. King’s birthday is Jan. 15.

Recognizing how the late civil rights icon, with his message of equality, hope, freedom and love, laid down his life for everyone in the room was Speaker of the House Delegate Don L. Scott. Speaker Scott, who is the first Black person to serve in his newly sworn-in role, received the A. Donald McEachin Award, which honors the late U.S. Congressman who died in November 2022.

Also in attendance was Gov. Glenn Youngkin, who said the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King was seen on the floor of the Virginia General Assembly with African Americans in leadership roles as Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House, and L. Louise Lucas, President pro tempore, Virginia Senate.

A surprise recognition was given to VUU faculty member Robin C. Byrd, top left, M.Ed., PGC, who organized the 46th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Celebration and reinstated the community breakfast after the pandemic hiatus. She received flowers and a standing ovation.

On stage, from left to right: Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, Chair of VUU Board of Trustees; Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, VUU President & CEO; he Honorable Glenn Youngkin, VA Governor; Colette McEachin, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Richmond and widow of the late U.S. Rep. A. Donald McEachin, The Honorable Delegate Don Scott, VA’s 88th District; Dr. Bernice Travers, Board Chair and Vice President of Living The Dream; and Mr. Darius Johnson, Dominion Energy Vice President & Treasurer and VUU Board of Trustees.