The honorees of the City of Chandler’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division’s 2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards reflect a spirit of service to the community, according to a news …
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The honorees of the City of Chandler’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Division’s 2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards reflect a spirit of service to the community, according to a news release.
The program honors the accomplishments of residents who contribute significantly to creating a compassionate and socially just community through their dedication to human and civil rights, the release states.
The honorees were recognized Jan. 17 in an afternoon ceremony held in Chandler City Council chambers downtown at City Hall.
Brief remarks from Mayor Kevin Hartke preceded the keynote speaker, Eric M. Bailey, an author and president of Bailey Strategic Innovation Group consulting firm who’s been featured by CNN, Huffington Post and Forbes.
For more information about the awards program, visit chandleraz.gov/MLKJrAward.
This year’s winners are:
• Dr. MLK Jr. Distinguished Achievement Award: J.D. Hill, recognized for embodying the values of Dr. King through extensive work promoting social and economic justice, defending civil rights, and enhancing the dignity of all people in the Chandler community.
• Emma Arbuckle Empowerment Award: Shante Saulsberry, honored for empowering the community by creating opportunities for leadership, racial equality, and solidarity, continuing the legacy of Ms. Emma Arbuckle — a South Chandler resident and advocate known as a leader and mother figure in the local community.
• Youth Action Award: Connor Jarnagan, celebrated for his active efforts in promoting non-violence, commitment to service, and courage among peers, exemplifying Dr. King’s values. He also will receive a $500 award.
• Youth Action Award, Honorable Mention: Nidhi Achanta, acknowledged for her impactful contributions to fostering unity and positive change.
• Spirit of Unity Award: Ruth Maya, selected by the mayor and council for her exceptional dedication to the Chandler community and embodying the spirit of unity.
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