Hall of Fame
For more than 19 years, this award and ceremony have been powerful reminders of Dr. King’s legacy and the ways his vision lives on in the work of Providence’s civic leaders.
Each year, the Commission asks the Providence Community for letters of nomination to recognize local individuals that they believe embody the work of Dr. King. The Providence Human Relations Commission uses criteria that exemplifies the spirit of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitment to equity, civil rights, and justice to narrow down the nominees. The list of nominees are then provided to Mayor Brett P. Smiley, who picks the final three honorees.
To learn more about the nominating process, click here.
Past Honorees
2025
Arthur Archie Johnson
Cedric Paul Huntley† “Mr. Ced” (Honored posthumously)
Shane Alvin Lee
2024
Chief Judge Frank Caprio
Helen Baskerville-Dukes
Earl Derek Earl Hazard Jr.
2023
Carina Monge
Sharon Conard-Wells
Travis Wiggins
Deborah Wray
2022
Idrees “Lanre” Ajakaiye
Angela Bannerman Ankoma
Reverend Howard Jenkins
2021
Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott
Sal Montiero Jr.
Jorge Cardenas
2020
Representative Grace Diaz
Richard C. Hemphill
Joe Wilson Jr.
2019
Shawndell Burney-Speaks
Laura Rodriguez
Anthony Roberson
2018
Pilar McCloud
Mary C Jones
Hon. Philip Addison Jr.
2017
Rob Deblois
Muraina Morris Akinfolarin
James Vincent
2016
DeWayne Hackney
Valerie Tutson
Phyllis H. Evans
2015
Barbara Thurman
Eugenia Marks
Kobi Dennis
2014
Bill Bateman
David Hector Sr.
Joseph P Buchanan
2013
John “Johnny” Britto
Dr. Wayne J. Montague Sr.
2012
Hon. Miguel C Luna
William Billy Taylor
Leo F. DiMaio
2011
Sister Ann Keefe SSJ
Hon. Balbina Young
2010
Teny O. Gross
Clifford O Montiero
Rogeriee Thompson
2009
Charles Baks
Michael Van Leesten
Chace Baptista
2008
Julius C. Michaelson
Joseph Newsome
2007
Malcolm Farmer III
Rev. Raymond E Gibson, PhD.
2006
Horace Craig & The Reverend E. Naomi Craig
Frederick Lippitt
Frank Graham
2005
Roosevelt Benton
Nancy Gewirtz
2004
Robert Bailey IV
William G McLoughlin