2026 VUU 48th Annual Martin Luther King Jr.
Community Leaders Celebration
This year's honorees recognized distinguished leaders, families, and organizations whose historic and ongoing contributions have advanced civil rights, education, justice, and opportunity—both at Virginia Union University and throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

 

2026 Honorees Include:

• Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

• Family of William B. Thalhimer, Jr. 

• Richmond Crusade for Voters 

• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP Virginia State Conference)

• Baptist Ministers Conference of Richmond & Vicinity 

• Family of Benjamin & Richard Lambert

• Baptist General Convention of Virginia

• Richmond Free Press 

• Better Housing Coalition 

• Governor L. Douglas Wilder

• National Urban League, Richmond Chapter 

• First African Baptist Church 

• Living the Dream, Inc. 

• The Richmond 34 

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From powerful reflections on Dr. King’s legacy to celebrating this year’s incredible honorees, the room was filled with inspiration, unity, and purpose. Events like this remind us why our work matters and how strong we are when we stand together.

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 NCNW Richmond remains committed to service, sisterhood, and uplifting our community —

today and every day.