Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday weekend began with a celebration of service, leadership and impact at the 15th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Awards Luncheon, held Jan. 16 at the Marriott Hotel in Rancho Cordova.

The luncheon, organized by Black Expo Events, honored individuals and organizations whose work reflects Dr. King’s lifelong commitment to justice, equity and opportunity. Community leaders, elected officials, advocates and business owners gathered to recognize those who keep Dr. King’s legacy alive through action, not just remembrance.

The annual event celebrates Dr. King’s life, dream and enduring legacy by spotlighting leaders whose work expands access, uplifts communities and creates opportunities for those most in need.

“This amazing and diverse leadership demonstrates the vision of Dr. King as he called everyone to not only live the American dream, but to share the dream so that everyone can live up to the credo of this nation,” organizers said in a statement.

Greg King, founder of Always Knocking Inc., dedicated his Legacy Award to his mother. Event organizer Rick Warren looks on. Roberta Alvarado, OBSERVER
Greg King, founder of Always Knocking Inc., dedicated his Legacy Award to his mother. Event organizer Rick Warren looks on. Roberta Alvarado, OBSERVER

This year’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award honorees represented a wide range of sectors, including government, media, public health, business development, and community advocacy.

Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang, one of the honorees, reflected on the interconnected histories of Black and Hmong communities and the importance of continuing Dr. King’s work beyond symbolic moments.

“As the daughter of Hmong refugees, I know my story is possible because of the sacrifices and leadership of the Black community,” Vang said. “Dr. King reminded us that the fight against poverty, racism, and injustice requires action, not just remembrance. Today, and every day, we recommit to doing the work together.”

Another honoree, youth advocate and Always Knocking Inc. CEO Greg King, emphasized that honoring Dr. King must extend beyond annual celebrations. He urged communities to live out Dr. King’s values year-round, not only during his birthday weekend or Black History Month.

Rancho Cordova mayor and Legacy Award recipient Garrett Gatewood. Roberta Alvarado, OBSERVER
Rancho Cordova mayor and Legacy Award recipient Garrett Gatewood. Roberta Alvarado, OBSERVER

“Dr. Martin Luther King was, and still is, one of my greatest inspirations for the work that I do today,” King said. “If my work is not speaking louder than my voice, then I need to be quiet and let my work do the talking.”

As the luncheon concluded, the message was clear: Dr. King’s legacy lives on through the daily work of leaders and organizations dedicated to justice, equity and community empowerment. The event served as both a tribute and a renewed call to action, challenging attendees to keep building the inclusive future Dr. King envisioned.

Legacy Award Winners

  • Garrett Gatewood, Rancho Cordova mayor
  • Anthony Allen, president, Black Business Association of Sacramento
  • Siri Pulpati, Rancho Cordova councilmember and former mayor
  • Ariel Roblin, KCRA 3 News CEO and general manager
  • KOZ PURE, Community Development Company
  • Kenny Caraway, journalist and youth advocate
  • Yisrael Farms, Community Gardens
  • Greg King, CEO, Always Knocking Inc. youth program
  • Councilmember Mai Vang, Sacramento 
  • Ebie Lynch, public health advocate and candidate for California lieutenant governor
  • Chris Lodgson, civil rights and reparations leader
  • Rhonda Smith, CEO, California Black Health Network
  • Leah Miller, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Greater Sacramento
  • Clarence Williams (posthumously), founder, California Capital
  • Councilmember David Sanders, Rancho Cordova