Gilbert Bland, Urban League of Hampton Roads
ambassador@ulhr.org
(757) 777-5170
(Black PR Wire) HAMPTON ROADS, VA — The Urban League of Hampton Roads (ULHR) proudly announces the distinguished recipients of the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award, presented during the 42nd Regional MLK Community Celebration. This signature annual event honors Dr. King’s enduring legacy of advocating for justice, equality, and nonviolent social change by recognizing local leaders whose service creates a far-reaching impact across the Hampton Roads community.
Honoring Community Pillars
The ULHR is thrilled to honor four exceptional leaders for their significant contributions and commitment to community upliftment:
- Dr. L.D. Britt: Brickhouse Professor of Surgery at Eastern Virginia Medical School, recognized for his profound impact on medicine and education.
- Dr. Deborah DiCroce: President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, honored for her dedicated work in philanthropy and community investment.
- Mr. Greg Garrett: Founder of Counteract International and founding chairperson of several prominent regional and national business organizations, including the Southeast Virginia Chapter of Entrepreneurs’ Organization.
- Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston: President of Norfolk State University, celebrated for her transformative leadership in higher education.
The event will feature keynote speaker Carly Fiorina, the highly accomplished American business leader and National Honorary Chair of the Virginia 250 Commission. Ms. Fiorina will deliver a timely message focusing on connecting history with the present to inspire healing and a recommitment to American ideals.
Supporting the Legacy
The celebration is supported in part by generous sponsors, including Dollar Tree, Inc. The dinner serves as a critical intergenerational event, bringing together attendees from all walks of life to champion unity and raise funds to support the ULHR’s ongoing programming and scholarships.
Action and Information
For more details on the 2026 honorees, opportunities to collaborate, or to purchase tickets for the Celebration Dinner, please visit the official website or email ambassador@ulhr.org.
About Urban League of Hampton Roads
The mission of the Urban League of Hampton Roads, Inc. is to enable African Americans and others to secure economic self-reliance, parity and power and civil rights. The Urban League implements its mission by providing services and programs in education, employment, health, and housing to Hampton Roads communities through direct services, advocacy, research, policy analysis, community mobilization and collaboration throughout communities.
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