Washington, D.C.- The 33rd International Salute to the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. took place on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the Willard InterContinental Hotel in Washington, D.C. The annual event honored Dr. King’s contributions to the fight for racial equality, justice, and peace, with a gathering of distinguished guests from all walks of life.
The ceremony began with Mistress of Ceremonies, Jan Du Plain, President and CEO of Du Plain Global Enterprises, Inc., who welcomed guests to the esteemed occasion.
H.E. Dame Karen Pierce, DCMG, the British Ambassador to the United States, gave the opening remarks, offering a heartfelt tribute to Dr. King’s legacy. She reflected on Dr. King’s enduring influence, sharing personal experiences of his visionary leadership.
The morning flowed into a series of recognitions. Shahin Mafi, who founded the Azar Foundation for Children of the World, accepted the King Legacy Award for Global Philanthropy and Service. Mafi, who began her journey in Tehran, Iran, spoke passionately about how Dr. King’s message transcends borders and transforms lives worldwide.
Wells Fargo Managing Director & Private Wealth Advisor Cynthia Fermin stepped forward to honor H.E. Dame Karen Pierce with the King Legacy award for Global Diplomacy and Service. The Ambassador graciously received her award before returning to tend to her diplomatic duties.
Robert G. Stanton, who once led the National Park Service as its Director, lifted the room in prayer, creating a moment of unity before breakfast commenced.
During a brief intermission, guests enjoyed a meal while hearing special greetings from Ellen M. Granberg, President of The George Washington University; Father Bernard Knapke, Chaplain of The Catholic University of America; Dr. Judy Kuriansky, Trustee of the United African Congress; and Ben Vinson III, President of Howard University.
Ellen M. Granberg, drew from Dr. King’s book “Where Do We Go From Here,” speaking to the necessity of peaceful coexistence. Father Bernard Knapke reflected on the Catholic community’s proud alliance with Dr. King during the civil rights movement. Dr. Judy spoke on Dr. King’s opposition to narcissism, stressing his focus on collective well-being over individualism while Ben Vinson sent his regards via a virtual message, as he was unable to attend in person.
The program surged forward as Felis Andrade, Director of External Communications of Giant Food, Inc. bestowed the Dorothy I. Height Leadership Award upon Rosie Allen-Herring, who guides the United Way of the National Capital Area as President & CEO. Allen-Herring shared touching memories of Dr. King’s influence during her childhood years.
Ambassador Denis Antoine, former Envoy of Grenada to China, presented the King Legacy Award to Marie Royce, recognizing her transformative work in global education during her tenure as Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs.
Dr. Jean Bailey, Director of the Howard University South Africa Project, introduced Maurice Edington, who leads the University of the District of Columbia, as he received the King Legacy Award for Leadership in Education.
The King Legacy Award for Government and Public Service was presented to the Honorable Joanna McClinton, Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, by Frank Islam, Chairman/CEO of FI Investment Group LLC (FIIG). McClinton made history as the first woman and African American to hold this position in Pennsylvania, earning recognition for her relentless commitment to public service.
Damien Sneed and Anitra McKinney elevated the ceremony through soul-stirring musical performances that touched every heart in the room.
Madeline Y. Lawson, Founder and CEO MLK, Jr. International Salute stepped to the podium with decades of purpose behind her words. As the creator of the renowned Breakfast with Coretta Scott King and Dorothy I. Height, she delivered closing thoughts before voices united in “We Shall Overcome,” the perfect crescendo to honor Dr. King’s lasting impact on our world.
