(L-R) Daniel Merritt, N.Charles Anderson, Hiram E. Jackson, Lisa Page Brooks, Rev. Charles E. Williams II, Portia Roberson, Joanna Underwood, Todd Bettison, Randy Wimberly, (Credit: Photo by Monica Morgan Photography)
Gathered in a ballroom at the Detroit Athletic Club that once didn’t allow Black people to hold membership, now led by the first Black President Derron Sanders, the familiar words of the Black National Anthem of ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ filled the air by attendees. The room was alive with the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s spirit of unity and Black excellence.
This poignant moment set the tone for the 11th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Dream Keepers Awards and reception hosted by the National Action Network (NAN). This cherished tradition celebrates individuals who embody resilience, community leadership, and the enduring dream of equality.
As Michigan Chapter President of the NAN, Dr. Rev. Charles E. Williams II gave the welcome, veteran journalist Randy Wimberly was the Master of Ceremony of the event, which drew an audience of passionate community members, seasoned advocates, and emerging changemakers united by a commitment to honoring the past while shaping a better future.
Williams highlighted not being pessimistic about celebrating MLK Day, the same day as the incoming president’s inauguration, and emphasizing to make this country great again, one must embody the same spirit that ran through the blood of those who marched the streets in Birmingham, Alabama during the CIvil Right’s Movement.
“We need to do everything we can to make the world that we live in now great again by continuing the fight for justice, peace, power, and prosperity,” Williams said.
“And quite frankly, there’s no better way to do that than in the same spirit of Dr King, and that spirit was in the spirit of love.”
The honorees represented a tapestry of influence across the city of Detroit. Interim Police Chief Todd Bettison was recognized for his tireless efforts to foster trust between law enforcement and the community, a mission rooted in justice and compassion.
Awardee Todd Bettison. (Credit: Photo by Monica Morgan Photography)
“I am a servant on a spiritual mission, and my goal is to make sure that we continue to push crime down in this city but do it in a compassionate way,” Bettison said.
“Thank you all so much, and this award is the highest honor I’ve gotten because it’s from you all, my family.”
N. Charles Anderson, CEO of the Detroit Urban League, received accolades for decades of advocacy for economic empowerment and racial equality. Anderson also referenced the powerful message in Nelson Mandela’s ‘Long Walk to Freedom’ speech in his remarks.
“We can all share in Mandela’s notion that we cannot linger or stand idle,” Anderson said.
“We must continue working toward a goal, something for the betterment of mankind. We all must strive to be selfless, not selfish, in our services as we work to improve our community.”
Portia Roberson, CEO of Focus: HOPE, shared her gratitude as she accepted an award for advancing workforce development and educational opportunities for Detroit residents. Hiram E. Jackson, CEO of Real Times Media, was celebrated for amplifying Black voices through storytelling and journalism that inspire action.
Joanna Underwood, a dedicated community activist, reflected on grassroots movements and the power of collective resilience. Meanwhile, General Motors Executive Daniel Merritt was honored for championing corporate responsibility and leveraging resources to uplift underrepresented communities in engineering.
As each awardee took the stage, they shared personal stories of challenges faced and victories earned, weaving a collective narrative of hope, perseverance, and unwavering belief in Dr. King’s dream.
Jackson emphasized he has the best job in the world: to tell and uplift Black stories.
Awardee Hiram E. Jackson giving remarks. (Credit: Photo by Monica Morgan Photography)
“We’re here to tell the best parts of our culture, Black people. Most of us get up every day, and we work hard. Many of us work two or three jobs,” Jackson said.
“Those of us who are in corporate America, we ascend, and rarely is our story told, and that’s why the Michigan Chronicle, the Pittsburgh Courier, the Atlanta Daily World, and the Chicago Defender exist to tell your story.”
Roberson emphasized that she accepts today’s recognition for everyone who works at Focus: HOPE, as this work has been a collective effort for the past 57 years. Each month, food is provided to 43,000 seniors, 450 young individuals secure jobs through workforce development programs, and Head Start with early education programs are also offered and set to expand.
“We plan to be here for another 57 years doing this work,” Roberson said.
“I often say that I wish that they would put me out of my job, because that would mean everybody had what they needed. But until they do, we will be here and we will be doing this work.”
Awardee Lisa Page Brooks singing ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus’ (Credit: Photo by Monica Morgan Photography)
The event concluded with a call to action and benediction from Aisah Benton, not before a spirit-stirring ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus’ from Dream Keepers Lifetime Achievement Awardee Lisa Page Brooks, who urged attendees to channel the day’s spirit, legacy of MLK inspiration into tangible efforts in their communities.
“What you see in Detroit is in all cities,” Brooks said.
“So we just come together and do what we need to do. And I just thank God for everyone. I’m so grateful; I love you, and thank you.”
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