East Valley MLK Celebration and Awards Take Center Stage During 2025 Holiday Festivities in Mesa

PhxSoul.com™ Takes Home One of the Inaugural Honors

Submitted by Ready Set Go Foundation and the East Valley Black Elected Officials

The city of Mesa was alive with a spirit of unity and celebration as thousands gathered for the East Valley MLK Celebration, a day dedicated to honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The sun shone brightly over the Mesa City Plaza, where the community came together to recognize and celebrate the inaugural class of the East Valley MLK Awards. This event, organized in partnership with the Ready Set Go Foundation and the East Valley Black Elected Officials, marked a significant milestone in the region’s commitment to acknowledging the achievements of its leaders.

From early morning, the streets were abuzz with excitement as families, friends, and community members participated in a series of events, including the much-anticipated parade led by Keisha McKinnor. The air was filled with music, laughter, and the shared joy of a community united in purpose.

As the clock struck 12:30 PM, the heart of the celebration shifted to the Mesa City Plaza, where the East Valley MLK Awards ceremony commenced. Councilwoman Berdetta Hodge and Councilman OD Harris, key organizers of the awards, welcomed the crowd with heartfelt words, expressing their gratitude for the overwhelming turnout and the warm, celebratory atmosphere.

“Today, we honor those who carry forward Dr. King’s dream with their dedication and service,” said Councilwoman Hodge. “The strength of our community is reflected in these leaders, and we are proud to celebrate them,” added Councilman Harris.

The ceremony highlighted remarkable individuals, businesses, and nonprofits whose contributions have significantly impacted the East Valley region, home to over 1.5 million residents from Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, and Queen Creek. Among the most noted awardees were former Mayor of Mesa John Giles, former Maricopa County Supervisor Jack Sellers, State Vice President of the NAACP Andre Miller, East Valley NAACP Honorable Jevin Hodge, and longtime organizer Keisha McKinnor. Their leadership and dedication have left an indelible mark on the community, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

Each recipient received congressional recognition from Congressman Greg Stanton, acknowledging their extraordinary efforts and commitment to fostering change and progress. Through their vision and passion, these leaders have inspired others and driven meaningful advancements within the community.

As the day unfolded, attendees enjoyed various festivities, from cultural performances to inspiring speeches, all echoing Dr. King’s message of unity, equality, and hope. The celebration recognized past achievements and a call to action, encouraging everyone to continue the pursuit of a just and inclusive society.

The East Valley MLK Celebration and Awards were a resounding success, a testament to the power of community and the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As the day came to a close, the spirit of togetherness and the promise of a brighter future lingered in the hearts of all who attended, reminding everyone of the strength found in unity and the ongoing journey to keep the dream alive.

Business Awards:
– Cut N Corners by Joy Johnson
– West Alley BBQ
– Red Level Entertainment
– Lush
– PhxSoul.com™
– Momma Soul Fish and Chicken
– Fab Kids

Nonprofit Awards:
– East Valley NAACP
– LaloBoy Foundation
– Pretty Smart by Faith Johnson
– Black East Valley Fire Fighters
– Arizona Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement

Individual Awards:
– Jevin Hodge
– Keisha McKinnor
– Rae Black
– Dr. LaNée Javet
– Ron Williams
– Tamar Burch
– Roy Tatem
– Jack Sellers
– John Giles
– Stacia Wilson
– James Driscoll
– Kiana Sears
– Dr. Gilbert
– Elizabeth Ward

Spiritual Leaders Awards
– Pastor Wade
– Dr. Donise Dillard
– Andrea Miller
– Juan Brown

The East Valley MLK Jr. Awards ceremony highlighted remarkable individuals, businesses, and nonprofits whose contributions have significantly impacted the East Valley region.

Former Mesa Mayor John Giles accepts the East Valley MLK Kr Award. Image by Vicki P. Love Photography.

Dr. Stacia Wilson, Superintendent of Tempe Union High School Distrct, accepts the East Valley MLK Jr Award. Tempe Councilwoman Berdetta Hodge (left) and Chandler OD Harris (right) were the key organizers of the awards. Image by Vicki P. Love Photography.

Political/community leader Roy Tatem accepts the East Valley MLK Jr. Award. Image by Vicki P. Love Photography.

PhxSoul.com owner Tremaine Jasper and his daughter, Zara, accept the East Valley MLK Jr. Award. Tempe Councilwoman Berdetta Hodge (left) and Chandler OD Harris (right) were the key organizers of the awards. Image by Vicki P. Love Photography.

Colonel Jeffrey D. Glover, Director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, accepts the East Valley MLK Jr Award on behalf of the Arizona Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement. Image by Vicki P. Love Photography.

Members of the East Valley NAACP accept their East Valley MLK Jr. Award. Image by Vicki P. Love Photography.