YWCA greater Charleston announces 2026 MLK tribute lineup
January 13, 2026
Beginning January 15, 2026, South Carolinians will gather for the 54th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute in Charleston. Organized by YWCA Greater Charleston, this multi-day celebration, one of the nation’s earliest MLK tributes, first held in 1972, honors Dr. King’s enduring legacy and unwavering call for racial justice.
The 2026 theme is “Justice in Action: Investing in People, Purpose, and Progress.”
Business & Professional Breakfast Speaker
The Business and Professional Breakfast will feature Brian Itzkowitz, President and CEO of Palmetto Goodwill, as keynote speaker on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 7:00 a.m. at the Charleston Gaillard Center (95 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC). A nationally respected nonprofit executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience, Itzkowitz leads one of South Carolina’s largest social enterprises, advancing economic mobility through workforce training, education, and employment. His values-driven leadership offers powerful insight into organizational culture, community impact, and sustainable growth.
Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Vision Award Honoree
Named for Charleston’s longest-serving mayor, the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Vision Award recognizes exemplary civic and corporate leadership that advances equity, strengthens the regional economy, and promotes community well-being.
The 2026 award will be presented at the Business and Professional Breakfast, honoring Darrin Goss Sr., President and CEO of the Coastal Community Foundation. Under Goss’ leadership, the Foundation—South Carolina’s largest grant-making organization—has more than doubled its staff and assets, now managing over $500 million and awarding $37 million in grants in 2024 alone across nine Lowcountry counties.
Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Vision Award Honoree (Posthumous)
YWCA Greater Charleston will also present a posthumous Vision Award honoring Dr. Charles P. Darby, Jr., whose quiet leadership transformed pediatric healthcare in the Lowcountry.
Dr. Darby served as Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina beginning in 1982 and spent 15 years advocating for a dedicated children’s hospital. His vision led to the opening of the first MUSC Children’s Hospital in 1987 and later contributed to the development of the Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and Pearl Tourville Women’s Pavilion, which opened in 2020.
Ecumenical Service Speaker
The MLK Ecumenical Service will feature former Senator, Marlon E. Kimpson as guest speaker on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Charity Missionary Baptist Church (1544 E. Montague Avenue, North Charleston, SC). A distinguished attorney and public servant, Kimpson is widely recognized for his leadership on civil rights, public safety, environmental protection, and equity, bringing a powerful voice of faith, justice, and service to the gathering.
Harvey Gantt Triumph Award Honoree
Named for Harvey Gantt, the first African American student admitted to Clemson University and the first Black mayor of Charlotte, N.C., the Harvey Gantt Triumph Award honors individuals who confront injustice and inspire social change. The 2026 award will be presented at the Ecumenical Service, honoring Lee J. Bennett, Jr., whose more than 30 years of leadership include senior roles in the U.S. government, interagency coordination, and national security operations. Bennett’s career reflects a steadfast commitment to public service and collaboration.
Horace Lee Mungin Racial Healing Award- Individual Honoree
Named in honor of pioneering writer, poet, artist, and Black Arts Movement activist Horace Lee Mungin, this award celebrates individuals who use creativity and truth-telling to preserve culture and inspire justice.
The inaugural individual honoree is Cecil J. Williams, an acclaimed civil rights photographer and South Carolina native. Beginning his career at age 18 as a photographer for JET magazine, Williams documented the Civil Rights Movement with honesty and humanity. His work preserves defining moments and figures in American history, ensuring the courage and dignity of everyday people are never forgotten.
Horace Lee Mungin Racial Healing Award – Organization Honoree
Under the leadership of Executive Director Jana Riley, Public Works Art Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community art center in historic Downtown Summerville, South Carolina. Serving as the cultural hub and creative incubator of the Lowcountry, the center offers rotating gallery exhibitions, free community events, arts education for all ages, a pottery studio, and summer camps. Public Works Art Center has been named the inaugural organizational recipient of the Horace Mungin Racial Healing Award, honoring its commitment to empathy, togetherness, and healing through the arts.
MLK Day Parade Grand Marshal
Anjene “AJ” Davis will serve as the 2026 MLK Parade Marshal. A respected nonprofit leader and community advocate, Davis is co-founder of the Lowcountry Black Parents Association, which empowers Black families to navigate and advocate within the public education system. His work in youth development, education advocacy, and social justice has earned multiple honors, including the 2023 Social Action Award from Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the Education Service Award from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The celebration concludes with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday Parade on Monday, January 19, at 10:00 a.m., beginning at Burke High School and proceeding through downtown Charleston to Marion Square, turning east onto Calhoun Street.
ABOUT YWCA GREATER CHARLESTON
For 118 years, YWCA Greater Charleston has worked to eliminate racism and empower women in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester Counties. Among its initiatives to eliminate racism are its multi-day MLK Celebration, one of the first MLK tributes in the nation, Stand Against Racism, and Racial Equity & Inclusion workshops equipping leaders to combat racism. Among its initiatives to empower women and girls are its #WhatWomenBring event celebrating South Carolina’s women in business, community, and culture, WE 360° workshops helping women of color overcome barriers in entrepreneurship, Y Girls Code clubs financially empowering girls, and SheStrong, empowering young women to develop as leaders and changemakers. For more information, visit ywcagc.org.
