Chandler City Council O.D. Harris says thousands gathered for the Jan. 20 East Valley MLK Celebration, a day dedicated to honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Mesa City Plaza event is where Harris said, in a news release, the community came together to recognize and celebrate the “inaugural class” of the East Valley MLK Awards.

The event, organized by Harris and his Ready Set Go Foundation, Tempe City Council member Berdetta Hodge and the East Valley Black Elected Officials, the release states, acknowledged the achievements of its leaders.

The event included a parade led by Keisha McKinnor. The celebration the moved to the Mesa City Plaza, where the East Valley MLK Awards ceremony recognized individuals, businesses and nonprofits whose contributions have positively impacted the East Valley.

“Today, we honor those who carry forward Dr. King’s dream with their dedication and service,” Hodge stated in the release.

“The strength of our community is reflected in these leaders, and we are proud to celebrate them,” added Harris.

Among the awardees were former Mayor of Mesa John Giles, former Maricopa County Supervisor Jack Sellers, State Vice President of the NAACP Andre Miller, East Valley NAACP Honorable Jevin Hodge, Chief Jeff Glover, and longtime organizer Keisha McKinnor.

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, whose district includes much of Mesa, provided congressional recognition from his office for each awardee.

Each recipient was presented with congressional recognitions, acknowledging their efforts and commitment to fostering change and progress.

The day included cultural performances and speeches, all echoing Dr. King’s message of unity, equality, and hope, the release states.

The celebration was a recognition of past achievements and a call to action, encouraging everyone to continue the pursuit of a just and inclusive society, the release states.

The awardees include:
Business Awards:
- Cut N Corners by Joy Johnson
- West Alley BBQ
- Red Level Entertainment
- Lush
- Phoenix Soul
- Momma Soulful Kitchen
- Fab Kids
Nonprofit Awards:
- East Valley NAACP
- LaloBoy Foundation
- Pretty Smart by Faith Johnson
- Black East Valley Fire Fighters
- Jeff Glover (Arizona Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement)
Individual Awards:
- Jevin Hodge
- Keisha McKinnor
- Rae Black
- Dr. LaNée Javet
- Ron Williams
- Tamar Burch
- Roy Tatem
- Jack Sellers
- John Giles
- Stacia Wilson
- James Driscoll
- Kiana Sears
- Dr. Gilbert
- Elizabeth Ward
Spiritual Leaders Awards
- Pastor Wade
- Dr. Donise Dillard
- Andrea Miller
- Juan Brown

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