RICHMOND, VA (November 24, 2020) – Virginia Union University (VUU) will be hosting the 43rd Annual Community Leaders Celebration in partnership with WTVR-CBS 6 (Richmond), WTKR CBS 3 (Hampton Roads), and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), on Monday, January 18, 2021, at 9:00 AM. For the first time, the University’s long-standing annual remembrance of Dr. King’s legacy will be streamed virtually, as well as broadcasted and shared with thousands of households throughout the regions of Richmond and Hampton Roads.
This year’s event will recognize leaders and organizations from both Richmond and Hampton Roads that exemplify Dr. King’s spirit of selflessness and commitment to the empowerment of the “beloved community” in the areas of legislation, health equity, economic justice, and education.
“This has been a historic year in every aspect of life. Dr. King’s legacy of non-violent, transformational social justice is more important now than ever before. Our new partnership with WTVR- CBS 6 here in Richmond and its sister station WTKR-CBS 3 in Hampton Roads, has allowed us to reimagine our Community Leaders’ event by expanding our celebration of Dr. King’s legacy into thousands of households across the Richmond and Norfolk regions while keeping the community safe,” said VUU’s president and CEO, Dr. Hakim Lucas. “Moreover, our collaboration with UNCF will allow us to share resources, thought leadership, and stewardship as we work to strengthen our collective efforts in furthering Dr. King’s vision for increased educational attainment and empowerment of those from underrepresented communities.”
“While the pandemic makes it impractical to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s vision and spirit with the traditional, in-person Community Leaders Breakfast in Richmond, we are excited about the opportunity to reach a broader audience through CBS 6 (Richmond) and News 3 (Norfolk),” said Stephen Hayes, general manager for CBS 6 WTVR. “Simulcasting this one-hour special on WTVR, WTKR, and via multiple streaming outlets enables tens of thousands of Virginians to share in the celebration of not only Dr. King’s successes, but those who have followed in his footsteps.”
“Virginia Union University is a member of the UNCF network of institutions who are historic Black colleges and universities. Our partnership remains critical to both UNCF’s and VUU’s success, and the primary focus is to work in collaboration,” said Robin Byrd, Area Development Director, UNCF Richmond Virginia. “We are excited to enter this innovative partnership with Virginia Union, and through events like the Community Leaders’ Celebration, we are focused on building better futures for us all.”
VUU is excited to share sponsorship and other opportunities for all members of the University, community and corporations throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia to support Dr. King’s legacy at VUU. For more information, visit the website at www.vuu.edu or call Deborah Alston, VUU’s Senior Director of Alumni Relations and Advancement Services at (804) 342-3936.