Join us for one of the most anticipated events of the MLK Celebration as we honor exceptional leaders who embody the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and this year’s theme:  “ONE COMMUNITY, ONE PURPOSE, ONE DREAM: A CALL TO ACTION.”

We’re excited to announce that sponsorship opportunities and table reservations are now open for the 2026 Leadership Awards Luncheon. Individual tickets will be released only after table sales are complete, so we encourage you to secure your table early and ensure your place at this inspiring event.

This year’s luncheon will feature keynote speaker Dr. Marc Lamont Hill, an award-winning scholar, activist, and media personality renowned for his bold voice on justice, equity, and social transformation. Dr. Hill’s message will challenge and inspire us, calling each of us to take action toward the beloved community Dr. King envisioned.

Reserve your table, explore sponsorship opportunities, and join us as we come together as one community with one purpose, united by one dream.

For more information please contact Luncheon@MLKKnoxville.com.

Dr. Marc Lamont Hill is an award-winning scholar, author, activist, and media personality whose work centers on justice, equity, and the power of storytelling to drive social change. He currently serves as Professor of Urban Education at the CUNY Graduate Center in New York City, where he is recognized for his groundbreaking scholarship and ability to translate complex social issues into impactful, actionable conversations.

A sought-after voice in national and global media, Dr. Hill has hosted programs such as UpFront on Al Jazeera English and HuffPost Live, and served as a political commentator for CNN and Fox News. He is also a co-host of The Joe Budden Podcast, where his commentary continues to shape conversations on politics, culture, and justice.

Beyond his media presence, Dr. Hill is deeply committed to civic engagement and youth empowerment. He has founded and supported numerous community-based initiatives focused on literacy, legal education, and social transformation, and is widely known for integrating hip-hop culture into educational spaces as a tool for liberation and critical thought.

Named one of Ebony magazine’s “Top 30 Black Leaders Under 30,” Dr. Hill continues to be a leading voice at the intersection of leadership, activism, and social change. We are honored to welcome him as the Keynote Speaker for the 2026 MLK Awards Luncheon.