Dr. King’s Vision
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would have celebrated his 98th birthday a few days ago on January 15, 2025. Dr. King is known worldwide as a man who saw and fought for change. His legacy continues to live on and each year on the third Monday of January, the country celebrates all that he’s done. Today, January 20, 2025, is that day.
Dr. King had a vision of a more peaceful world and although we aren’t there yet, many individuals are fighting to push us closer to that vision. To honor someone like Dr. King takes more than just a day which is why The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change “The King Center” hosts an annual week-long Dr. King holiday experience. A part of that experience is the M.L.K. Jr. Beloved Community Awards.
The King Center was established in 1968 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King and is known as a global destination, resource center, and community institution in Atlanta.
The 2025 M.L.K. Jr. Beloved Community Awards were held on January 18, 2025 in Downtown Atlanta.
According to the King Center’s site, the awards recognize national and international individuals and organizations that exemplify excellence in leadership, pursuit of social justice, and commitment to creating the Beloved Community in the tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King.
2025 Honorees
- Jenifer Lewis – Yolanda D. King Higher Ground Award
- Aadeel Akhtar – Technological Innovation Award
- Heman Bekele – Youth Influencer Award
- Black Voters Matter – Civic Leadership Award
- Nadia Murad – Coretta Scott King Women Soul of the Nation Award
- Morris Brown College – Christine King Farris Legacy of Service in Education Award
- Aids Healthcare Foundation – Social Justice Award
A Word from Jenifer Lewis
Before accepting her award, Lewis spoke with the Carvd N Stone team about what it means to be honored. Although Lewis is known for her acting roles in TV shows like “Black-ish“, Lewis said she sees herself first as an activist and then as an actress.
“My activism is more important than anything else right now…we are on the edge of losing democracy itself, so it’s important that we unite and stand strong,” said Lewis.
Lewis turns 68 on January 25, 2025. Throughout her career, she has openly embraced both her strengths and challenges, including being diagnosed as bipolar in her 30s. With decades of accomplishments, Lewis defines success on her terms.
“It is essential that when you have been afforded the American Dream as I have; I came from great poverty to great success, and let me define my success. My success is, I measure it by how big the smile is on my face,” said Lewis.
Lewis said she will continue being of service and helping fight the fight by being on the frontline and serving the people.
“Whenever and wherever I can,” said Lewis.
She added that is important we honor our ancestors and awards like these are giving people their much-needed flowers.
Nyesha Stone founded Carvd N Stone in 2017 to cover positive news while attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Stone has a B.A. in Journalism. She has raised over $30,000 to award grants and scholarships. She has also been featured in ESSENCE and worked with the American Black Film Festival.
