Award Recipients
We would like to congratulate our 2025 MLK Award recipients. Thanks to your commitment of “Keeping the Legacy with Faith, Love, and Action”, which is attributed to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who affirmed, “We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right”.
We welcome you in joining us throughout our King Week activities as we recognize exceptional leaders from our beloved community.
ADVOCACY AWARD
Mrs. Jackie L. Robinson
Expungement Coordinator
Knoxville Area Urban League
Mrs. Jackie L. Robinson is a dedicated community leader and Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner who coordinates the Workforce Expungement Clinic in Knoxville, passionately helping individuals overcome barriers to employment, housing, and legal services to achieve their full potential.
Jackie Robinson is an enthusiastic and innovative professional with extensive expertise in Workforce Counseling, Job Placement, Public Speaking, Workforce Project Manager, State Contractors, legal expungement advisor, Event Planning, and Management and Community Outreach. I am passionate about helping individuals who need guidance with obtaining services in the community. My primary focus is on individuals with disabilities, legal issues, assistance with Workforce digital training, employment, and community resources. It gives me extraordinary joy to help people to empower themselves with the tools that are required for them to be successful in their endeavors. As a result, that person is empowered to support helping others.
I believe in giving back to the community by volunteering with other non-profits, participating in feeding senior citizens, church outreach ministries, and providing free legal resources. Currently, I participate in the following community organizations: Community Step-Up, in Knoxville, TN., East TN Civil Right Working Group, in Knoxville TN., Tennessee Reentry Collaborative (TREC) East TN Region, Knoxville Area Employment Consortium, and the East Knoxville Lions Club, Knoxville TN.
Since 2001, I have been working as a License Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner and Workforce Development Specialist at the Knoxville Area Urban League (KAUL). Our emphasis is on skill assessments, job readiness training, counseling, resume Development, interviewing skills, job coaching, and Tennessee Higher Education training classes (THEC). KAUL also has partnerships with companies for employment opportunities for individuals.
In 2021, a partnership was developed with the University of Tennessee Law Department and the Knoxville Area Urban League that led to the Workforce Expungement Clinic being established. The first clinic started as a pilot program in March 2021 with 15 individuals and one judge. The event was highly successful. In 2023 I was promoted to the new Expungement Coordinator for my work in developing, organizing, and initiating the Expungement Clinic for Knox County Justice Involved individuals.
This initiative identified a deficiency in the Knoxville community that the Justice Involved population required support in removing barriers in their lives. These barriers prevented them from reaching their maximum potential in their skillsets that could lead them to fulfill their dreams. It was recognized that once the barriers were removed, job opportunities would be increased, business opportunities would become obtainable, home ownership could be achieved, and many other opportunities would become available. Currently, the Workforce Expungement Clinic has served over 450 justice-involved individuals though the clinic fees and charges have been removed. The Workforce Re-entry into Sustainable Employment (RISE) program and has assisted over 180 individuals in the Expungement Clinic to obtain employment.
There are other initiatives that support the Knoxville Area Urban League to help Justice-Involved individuals. The Lions Club Eye Clinic hosts an eye clinic once a year, Cherokee Health Systems schedules Free Medical Insurance clinics throughout the Year, the State of TN Driver License Bus provides new or the renewal of driver licenses and State of TN Identification cards on site. Truist Bank and Regions Bank provide financial education classes monthly focused on rebuilding their credit. Criminal District 6 Court provides workshops held quarterly to assist in reviewing cases for those needing support for child advocacy and case management. There is financial support for driver license reinstatements fees. KAUL is working closely with the Centro Hispano community to recruit the Hispanic population into the Expungement Clinic.
In 2025, the Knox County Voting Commission Precinct and the Knoxville Area Urban League will be partnering together to establish a voting site at the Knoxville Area Urban League. The Knoxville Bar Association and the Access to Justice Committee will offer legal workshops. The Knoxville Mediation Center will provide mediation counseling services. The RISE program will develop a Justice-Involved Task Force.
Daniel L. Ellis, co-chair of the Knoxville Bar Association’s Access to Justice Committee describes Ms. Robinson’s vital work saying that, “Jackie Robinson is a crucial link in the network of community leadership organizations like the Knoxville Area Urban League and lawyers volunteering their time with coordination and support from the Knoxville Bar Association’s Access to Justice Committee.”
I remain deeply committed to empowering the Justice-Involved individuals and underserved populations by building pathways to opportunity, equity, and community reintegration.
Mrs. Jackie L. Robinson Knoxville, Tennessee
ARTS AWARD
Ms. Yvette Rice
Y Productions
Yvette Rice, a Knoxville native and fashion aficionado, has significantly impacted the community through her work as an event organizer, fashion show producer, and youth mentor, earning her multiple accolades including Atlanta’s Outstanding Fashion Model and the 2018 Elite Empire Fashion Icon Award.
Yvette Rice, a Knoxville native, has held many titles including Event Organizer, Party Planner, Fashion Show Producer and Coordinator, and Emcee and Commentator. Her vibrant journey began at West High School, where she was celebrated as Most Wittiest, Most Popular, and Best Dressed while earning her diploma. Inspired to pursue a career in law, Yvette enrolled at Knoxville College, later attending the University of Tennessee and earning an Associate’s Degree in Business Law from Pellissippi State Community College. Despite varied career attempts, from working at Robert Shaw to Levi Strauss Company, Yvette’s passion for the fashion industry remained unquenched.
Developing an eye for couture fashion from a young age, Yvette was the sixth of seven children born to James Thomas and Mary Jo Rice. Her meticulous sense of style was influenced by her mother and her mother’s best friend, Jackie Marshall—a well-known Beautician and “Fashion Queen” of Knoxville—who introduced her to the glamorous world of high fashion at the age of four.
Yvette’s fashion career officially launched in 1999 when she attended the Bronner Brothers International Hair Show in Atlanta, Georgia. There, she met top designers Frederico International and Bramer Leon Couture, who became her mentors. That same year, she founded YR Productions and began producing high-energy fashion shows, starting at the Community Evangelistic Church in Knoxville. Her models have since walked runways from Knoxville to major cities such as Atlanta, Miami, and Chicago.
Yvette’s portfolio boasts a wide array of events, including Knoxville’s Got Talent at the Bijou Theatre, Stein Mart’s In-Store Fashion Show, and the Tennessee Educators of Color Alliance events. Her commitment to community shines through in her empowerment of youth, notably through the creation of children’s fashion shows and the Pre-Prom Shop Red Carpet Event, which treats high school students to a night of celebrity-like treatment.
Known as “The Heartbeat of Knoxville’s Youth,” Yvette is celebrated for her contributions, receiving accolades like Atlanta’s Outstanding Fashion Model and the 2018 Elite Empire Fashion Icon Award. Her dedication extends beyond the runway as she currently serves as the Marketing Director and Manager of Venue 31, an upscale event center soon to open in East Knoxville, promising a classy environment for high fashion couture events.
Throughout her career, Yvette remains humble, driven by a deep love for the community and a desire to uplift the spirits and dreams of the youth, continually proving that her work is not just about fashion—it’s about making a significant difference.
BUSINESS AWARD
Ms. Ty Roberts
Miracle V. Birth
Ty Roberts, Founder and Owner of Miracle V. Birth Services and Executive Director of Gennisi Charitable Birth Services, passionately advocates for equitable birth experiences, providing doula support to improve Black Maternal Health and empower women in underrepresented communities.
Ty Roberts is the Founder and Owner of Miracle V. Birth Services and serves as the Executive Director of Gennisi Charitable Birth Services. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing free and low-cost doula support to low-income, underrepresented, and vulnerable communities, aiming to improve Black Maternal Health and reduce birth-related injuries and/or deaths.
Her journey into doula work began in 2019 after a career in various medical sectors, driven by a desire to address the disparities in birth outcomes within the African American community and her own traumatic birth experiences. The inception of Miracle V. Birth Concierge was to honor the memory of her daughter, Miracle Victoria, who was born prematurely in 2000 and passed away five weeks later. This deeply personal experience highlighted the need for supportive, equitable care during childbirth, particularly for black women.
As a certified ProDoula Labor Doula, Ty is not only an advocate for equitable birth experiences but also provides hands-on care for expectant women. She is certified in postpartum and fertility doula services and placenta encapsulation. Her personal commitment to improving maternal care is further demonstrated through her active memberships with Postpartum Support International, the National Black Doula Association, Knox Birth Equity Alliance, and the Tennessee Maternal Task Force. She also holds CPR certifications (adult and pediatric) through the American Red Cross.
Ty is passionate about serving her community and increasing awareness about the specific needs of African American women during this transformative period. She encourages women to become strong advocates for their health and make informed healthcare decisions. One of her primary goals is to foster partnerships with other organizations that share her mission to enhance the state of Black Maternal Health.
CHAIR’S AWARD
Chancellor Donde Plowman
University of Tennessee, Knoxville TN
Donde Plowman, Chancellor of the University of Tennessee since 2019, has led the university to new heights in student retention, graduation rates, and research, while significantly increasing support and developing innovative student success initiatives.
Donde Plowman has served since 2019 as chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the state’s flagship land-grant research university. In that time, the university has set new records in student retention and graduation, research, instructional spending, alumni giving, and state support.
UT has a footprint that spans the entire state, including the main campus in Knoxville, the Space Institute in Tullahoma, and the Institute of Agriculture and its Extension offices in all 95 counties. Plowman oversees a campus budget of $2.2 billion as well as more than 38,800 students, 7,500 staff, and 2,000 full-time faculty.
Shortly after her arrival at UT, Plowman created the Division of Student Success to ensure that students receive a wide range of support as they navigate college life. Since then, the university has seen significant results in retention, persistence, and graduation rates while developing a national reputation as an innovative leader in student success. This improved retention, combined with a boom in new student applications, has allowed the university to strategically grow its enrollment by more than 30 percent, creating more opportunities for more students and producing more skilled graduates ready to enter the workforce.
Under Plowman’s leadership, the university has increased its research expenditures to a record $380 million by shifting its focus from individual efforts to big collaborative projects. This change in emphasis has fueled creative solutions and new technologies as well as expanded innovation and economic development partnerships with companies including AT&T, Eastman, and Volkswagen.
Plowman’s role as chancellor includes oversight of Tennessee Athletics, an operation exceeding $200 million, to which she has provided decisive and timely leadership. In 2020 she was selected by her peers in the Southeastern Conference to represent the SEC as a member of the NCAA Presidential Forum, and in 2023 she was elected vice president of the SEC Executive Committee. Plowman is known across the country as an advocate for student-athletes by supporting their pursuits on and off the field.
Before becoming chancellor, she served as dean of the College of Business and then executive vice chancellor at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She was previously a department head at UT. Plowman is a globally recognized organizational scientist whose scholarship includes the topics of leadership, change management, and strategic decision-making.
Community Service
Mrs. Marti LaRue Baker
CareCuts Ministry
Martha “Marti” LaRue Baker, a Knoxville native with over 40 years in the beauty industry, founded CareCuts, Inc. to provide essential services and restore dignity to the homeless, significantly impacting the community by offering haircuts, meals, and housing assistance.
Diversity Champion
Mr. Benjamin Bentley
Ben, as CEO of Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation since 2017, has spearheaded investments over $700 million in affordable housing and neighborhood improvements, significantly supporting about twenty thousand Knox County residents daily.
Ben has served as the Chief Executive Officer of Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC), the housing and redevelopment agency for the City of Knoxville, since 2017. Through his leadership, KCDC has invested over a half billion dollars in the preservation and new construction of affordable and mixed income housing at its existing public housing sites; joint ventured with the private sector to invest an additional $200 Million for the construction of new affordable housing in high opportunity areas across Knoxville; and partnered with the City of Knoxville to leverage public incentives and infrastructure investments toward the creation of outstanding, integrated public and private spaces. He has led the KCDC team to champion investment in underserved areas, bringing over $50 million in non-housing funding to neighborhood infrastructure improvements. On any given day, KCDC provides direct housing support to about twenty thousand residents of Knox County.
Distinguished Service
Dr. Joe B. Maddox
Dr. Joe B. Maddox, a revered spiritual leader and retired head pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, is celebrated for his over three decades of dedicated service, both locally and internationally, and his significant contributions to community and pastoral care.
Dr. Joe B. Maddox, esteemed for his deep commitment to the ministry and community service, has recently retired after over three decades as the head pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Knoxville. Born on January 19, 1947, in Hamilton, Georgia, Dr. Maddox committed his life to Christ at the age of seven. His educational pursuits earned him a Bachelor of Science degree from Fort Valley State University and a Master of Science from Tuskegee University, leading to a Doctor of Ministry degree from the North American School of Theology.
His calling to preach was realized while employed with the U.S. Department of the Interior in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, before dedicating himself fully to ministry in 1994 upon his retirement from the federal government. Under his leadership, New Hope Missionary Baptist Church expanded its mission efforts both locally and abroad in the Virgin Islands, Kenya, and Uganda.
Dr. Maddox has also served as the President/Director of the Knoxville Interdenominational Bible Institute, Inc., and State Director of Missions for the Tennessee Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention, Inc. He was the Co-President of Justice Knox, advocating for justice and equity within the community.
Dr. Maddox’s journey has been supported by his beloved wife, the late Vivian Goodwin Maddox, and their family. His legacy is one of unwavering faith, love, and dedication to service, embodying the true spirit of pastoral care and community engagement. His contributions have left an indelible mark on his congregation and the broader community, earning him widespread respect and admiration.
Education award
Ms. Rukiya Foster, EDS
A.S.C.E.N.D. Freshman Academy
Austin East Magnet High School
Rukiya S. Foster, a dedicated educator and Principal of A.S.C.E.N.D. Freshman Academy at Austin-East Magnet High School, is celebrated for her impactful leadership, commitment to student success, and creation of enriching educational travel opportunities through the Austin-East Spanish Travel Club.
Rukiya S. Foster is a native of New Brunswick, New Jersey. After graduating from high school, she attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, and a Master of Science in Secondary Education.
In 2000, she began her career in education with Knox County Schools as a World Language Educator (Spanish). During her 17 years as an exemplary educator, she has held various leadership positions, including TAP (Teacher Advancement Program) Mentor Teacher, World Language Department Chair, and was twice named Teacher of the Year.
Growing up, Rukiya witnessed her parents’ love and service to others through their professions: her father was a Dean at Rutgers University, and her mother was a Litigation Attorney. Inspired by their commitment, Rukiya was motivated to help and serve others as an educator. She recognized that the opportunity to shape, encourage, and influence students’ lives while being a part of their personal and professional achievements would be a profoundly rewarding experience.
As a firm believer that applied knowledge is power, Rukiya, armed with her faith, and inspired by her love for traveling, sought to provide her students with the same enriching opportunities she had experienced as a child. In 2016, she founded the Austin-East Spanish Travel Club, which provided the opportunity for students to experience Europe firsthand. This inaugural trip for the school and these students would allow them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Barcelona, Madrid, and Paris.
Recognizing the significant financial responsibilities involved, she took her vision to the community. Through donations from businesses, community members, churches, and staff members, as well as conducting fundraising performances, Rukiya and the students were able to make their dreams a reality. Since the inaugural trip was such a success and an inspiration, she provided the opportunity for another cohort of students to travel to Europe in the summer of 2017. Students visited Barcelona, Paris, London, Madrid, Avignon, and Sitges during this trip.
After 17 years in the classroom, Rukiya accepted another challenge in her career, further fostering growth, achievement, and student development. As a result, she was selected as a member of the prestigious Knox County Schools Leadership Academy for the 2017-2018 school year as an Assistant Principal/Leadership Academy Fellow at Powell High School. Upon completing the program, she graduated with an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2018.
Rukiya is currently the Principal of the A.S.C.E.N.D. (Academic Scholars with Career Expectations and Notable Destinations) Freshman Academy at Austin-East Magnet High School, and daily impacts her community and students through her dedication to education and service. Her goal is to inspire, uplift, and cultivate the passions and talents of all students. Her student-first approach, reputation as a dynamic leader and collaborator, innovative thinking, and love for her school community are significant assets to those she serves.
As the A.S.C.E.N.D. Academy Principal, Rukiya has led strategic planning efforts, analyzed and developed solutions and programs to encourage and increase student achievement, and created various programs to equip her students with the skills needed to succeed as lifelong learners. She also composed the name, mission, vision, and guiding principles that define the academy, and led the creation of numerous programs and events aimed at student success.
In addition to her professional responsibilities, Rukiya is a sought-after speaker, motivator, and published music artist, who recently released her debut project, Love Like You. She also owns Shani and Sham Handmade Jewelry Company and Shani & Sham Sweets, a dessert company. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, writing, decorating, and songwriting.
Rukiya is committed to following in the footsteps of those who inspired her, as she firmly believes that, “The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.” -Martin Luther King Jr.
Grand Marshall award
Rev. Vincent and Mrs. Alicia Jones
Pastor and First Lady of Tabernacle Baptist Church
Rev. Vincent Jones Jr. and Mrs. Alicia M. Jones are influential community leaders in Knoxville; he is the Senior Pastor at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church and heavily involved in civic and nonprofit initiatives, while she serves as the Executive Director of Student Supports for Knox County Schools, focusing on comprehensive educational strategies and community health involvement.
Rev. Vincent Jones Jr. hails from Knoxville, TN, and is the son of Rev. Dr. Vincent Jones Sr. and Rev. Dr. Montina Jones. A proud graduate of Morehouse College, he earned his degree with honors in 2004, during which time he also served as President of the Martin L. King Jr. Chapel Assistants. His ministry began in Detroit, Michigan, and Atlanta, Georgia, where he served as an associate minister and youth pastor.
In Atlanta, Rev. Jones held the position of Young Adult/College Outreach and Community Engagement Pastor at Wheat Street Baptist Church, later advancing to Executive Pastor. His commitment to community service is evident through his roles on the board of Hope Thru Soap, the Ending Mass Incarceration Initiative at the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, and other civic and non-profit organizations within Metro Atlanta. Rev. Jones also engaged in academic pursuits, graduating with honors in Practical Theology from Columbia Theological Seminary, with his studies focusing on the social impacts of gentrification in the historic King District over a 28-year period.
In October 2021, Rev. Jones was called to serve as the Senior Pastor of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church back in his hometown, Knoxville. He is also a licensed realtor with Wallace Real Estate and is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Ministry in Holistic Community Development. His leadership extends to the Leadership Knoxville Class of 2024, the City of Knoxville African American Equity Restoration Task Force, Knox County Schools Superintendent’s Council for Accelerated Learning, the East TN Association of Realtors, and the East Knoxville Business and Professional Association.
Alicia M. Jones, originally from Montgomery, Alabama, holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Criminal Justice from Troy University, and an Ed.S in Educational Leadership from Kennesaw State University. Since July 2022, she has been the Executive Director of Student Supports for Knox County Schools in Knoxville, TN. Her career began in special education, focusing on students with severe behavioral disorders, gaining expertise in trauma-informed care, mindset de-escalation techniques, and mental health interventions.
Currently, Mrs. Jones oversees strategies, systems, and programs for 91 schools within the district. Her leadership spans several areas including tutoring, academic interventions, services for English language learners, nursing services, support teams, gifted and talented education, and the operation of Knox County’s Drug Recovery High School. Additionally, she serves alongside her husband, Pastor Vincent M. Jones Jr., at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, leading the Titus 2 Women’s Ministry which fosters a community of women growing in faith and impacting the world.
Mrs. Jones is also active on the Knoxville Nativity Pageant Board of Directors, the City of Knoxville Community Health Council, the East TN Council on Children and Youth, the Project GRAD Advisory Committee, and the Charter Schools Review Committee. She is a member of the Tennessee Association of Administrators of Special Education and has served as the 1st Vice President in Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Society. Mrs. Jones graduated from the LK Introduction Knoxville class of 2024 and is a devoted mother to Camille Laila (12) and Vincent III (9).
Youth award
Mr. Javen Carter
Javen Carter, a senior at Austin-East Magnet High School, stands out as a multifaceted student, athlete, and leader, demonstrating excellence in academics, athletics, and community service. His commitment to leadership and academic excellence is evident through his involvement in prestigious organizations and initiatives. For four years, Javen has participated in The S.M.A.R.T. Institute, which focuses on academic enrichment and career readiness. He is a member of Beta Theta Boule and the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), and takes part in Project Excellence, a University of Tennessee youth leadership program that offers college credits to participants. Additionally, Javen is involved in Project U, promoting kindness and positivity at school, and Project Grad, which provides college experiences to high school students.
Athletically, Javen excels in both soccer and football. He has been a crucial member of his school’s varsity soccer team since his freshman year, serving as team captain for three seasons. In football, he has shown his dedication and reliability as a team player throughout his sophomore, junior, and senior years.
Javen’s academic journey is marked by numerous accolades. In his senior year, he received the Dr. Ruth Queen Smith Award from the University of Tennessee and the Service to Humanity Award from the Optimist Club of Knoxville. As a junior, he earned 1st Honors and as a sophomore, he was recognized as one of MTSU’s True Blue 100 Top Rising Sophomores, achieving 2nd Honors and the highest male GPA. His freshman achievements include making the Principal’s List, Freshman All-Stars, and 1st Honors. He is also a published co-author of The Word of Our Testimony: The Text Generation (2021).
Beyond the classroom and sports field, Javen is actively involved in community service. He volunteers with Project Grad, Good Fellows Funeral Home, and Muse Knoxville, helping with tasks such as yard work and outdoor cleaning. He also supports the Emerald Youth Foundation, assisting with homework for elementary students, and participates in the Blessings on Bell Street Christmas event, distributing gifts and serving concessions.
An active member of the Overcoming Believers Church, Javen integrates his faith into his everyday activities. Alongside his numerous commitments, he has been working at Walmart since January 2023. Javen Carter’s exceptional achievements, leadership skills, and dedication to service distinguish him as a role model and a promising young leader.
