Ellen Perrault
The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce – Inland Cities East Chapter, in partnership with YouthBuild Inland Empire and LUE Productions Community Umbrella Services, proudly invites the community to submit nominations for the 7th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service Gala Awards.
This prestigious event recognizes outstanding athletes whose impact extends far beyond the game. We are seeking individuals who were either raised in our community or have adopted our community as their own and have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to giving back through leadership, mentorship, philanthropy, advocacy, and community service.
The nomination categories are as follows: High School Athlete; Collegiate Athlete; Professional Athlete; or, Retired Athlete.
The Chamber is looking for athletes who embody the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by using their platform to uplift others, inspire hope, create opportunities, and strengthen the communities they serve.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Service Gala Awards stand as a testament to the hard work, dedication, compassion, and selfless service of our honorees. These individuals exemplify what it means to help communities connect, grow, succeed, and prosper while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
Looking at examples in the professional arena, it is inspiring and encouraging to recognize, according to the publication Ball Storm, that three of the top five athlete-philanthropists are Black. They include LeBron James at number one, followed by Serena Williams at number two and Colin Kaepernick as number four.
Athletes are certainly expected to live pretty glamorous and large lives. At the same time however, as noted in the publication, “many of them are doing way more than just living the high life. [They] are rolling-up-their-sleeves, giving-back-in-a-big-way. . .”
Many of these individuals excel in sports and through their generosity they are also excelling in life by creating schools, fighting poverty, taking a stand against injustice. And, in doing so, they are also changing lives.
Readers need look no further than right here in the inland empire for examples of athletes who are excelling in sports and life while also pouring into the community that poured into them. NBA super-star Kawhi Leonard of Moreno Valley; and Cajon High School graduate and NFL star Jayden Daniels, continue to provide strong examples of philanthropy in the places they got their start here in the I.E.
Studies also show a strong correlation between participation in youth sports and philanthropic activity later in life.
There are many young athletes in the inland region who are also putting in the extra effort to make a difference in local spaces across the region.
If you know an athlete who is making a meaningful difference on and off the field, court, track, or arena, we encourage you to nominate them today.
Together, let’s celebrate those who continue Dr. King’s dream through leadership, service, and community impact.
The event is being hosted by the Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce – Inland Cities East Chapter in partnership with YouthBuild Inland Empire and LUE Productions Community Umbrella Services.
Follow this link to nominate an athlete who is changing lives and building stronger communities
For more information please contact The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce Inland Cities East President, Lue Dowdy at 909.495.0848 or text 909.567.1000.