Voorhees University proudly hosted its 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Breakfast on Monday, January 19, bringing together civic leaders, educators, clergy, alumni, students, and community partners for a powerful morning of reflection, recognition, and renewed commitment to service.
Held in the Leonard E. Dawson Health and Human Resources Center, the annual gathering embraced the 2026 theme, “Honoring the Dream. Advancing the Vision.” The program reaffirmed the University’s enduring dedication to academic excellence, leadership development, faith, and social justice—principles that defined the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Ronnie Hopkins, President and CEO of Voorhees University, shared: “At Voorhees University, we believe Dr. King’s dream calls us not only to remembrance, but to action. We are committed to preparing leaders who will serve with purpose, shape their communities, and step boldly into tomorrow.”
A highlight of the program was the recognition of outstanding community leaders through the Drum Major for Justice Award, honoring individuals whose leadership, service, and commitment continue to uplift and strengthen their communities. This year’s honorees included:
• The Honorable Harold Johnson, Mayor of Denmark
• Dr. Vallerie Cave, Superintendent, Allendale County School System
• The Honorable Wilma Edmonds, Mayor of Govan, South Carolina
• Tonya L. James, Educator and Community Activist
• Lenon L. Brooker, Educator, Business Owner, and Church and Community Activist
• Constance D. Ferguson, Renowned Civic Activist and Retired Educator
• James Wallace, Lifelong Social Justice and Community Activist
In addition, two Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to individuals whose lifelong dedication to service has left an enduring legacy:
• Bishop Virgin Johnson Jr., Municipal Court Judge and Pastor
• Rev. Dr. Rosemary Griffin, Nationally Recognized Gospel Choir Director and Ordained Minister
University leadership shared congratulations to all honorees, noting that events like these matter—and the individuals being honored matter even more. Their leadership, service, and commitment to community serve as powerful reminders that Dr. King’s legacy lives on through action. Voorhees University remains steadfast in its commitment to recognizing and uplifting those who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact.
The program also featured musical selections from the Voorhees University Choir, an oratorical tribute by high school freshman Madisyn Jefferson who recited Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech, and a call to service, reinforcing the breakfast’s focus on unity, reflection, and collective responsibility.
This successful gathering reflected Voorhees University’s rich legacy of faith, leadership, and service and reinforced the institution’s guiding mantra, THE NEXT LEVEL OF EXCELLENCE.
