43rd Annual Memorial Service and Awards at the Martin Luther King Jr Center

Jan 28

The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center was proud to host the **43rd Annual Memorial Service & Awards**, bringing our community together for a meaningful morning of reflection, recognition, and connection.

During the service, we honored individuals whose leadership, creativity, and commitment are making a difference in our community. Congratulations to Annika O’Melia, recipient of the I Have a Dream Award. Zakyia Dade, a Bettendorf High School student, and Jeremiah Brown were recognized with Youth Expression Awards for sharing their voices and perspectives.

We were also proud to award two scholarships in support of continued education. LaRayah Carroll received the M. L. Lockhart Scholarship, and Abia Ndayishimiye was awarded the Black Hawk College Commit to Diversity Scholarship, providing full tuition for two years.

A Program Rooted in Community

The service opened with an invocation by Apostle Gary Barren of New Derrick’s Temple, followed by welcoming remarks from Mayor Ashley Harris, City of Rock Island. Marshall E. Glover Jr., U.S. Army veteran and 2025 Rock Island Citizen of the Year, served as the ceremonial host.

Throughout the morning, attendees experienced meaningful performances and reflections, including an original spoken word performance by Aubrey Barnes and musical selections by LaToya Trice, which added depth and emotion to the program.

Featured Speaker and Closing Reflections

This year’s featured speaker, Pastor Corey C. Parker Sr., Senior Pastor of Life Church in East Moline, delivered a message encouraging attendees to move from reflection to action, echoing the theme of the service and the values that guide the King Center’s work.

Closing remarks were shared by Jerry Jones, Executive Director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, alongside Kai Swanson, Vice Chair of the MLK Center Board of Directors. The service concluded with a benediction, sending attendees forward with renewed purpose and hope.

Raising YouthVoices in the West End of Rock Island

Guests were also invited to experience Youth Voices on Display, a PhotoVoice exhibit created by the West End Revitalization High School Club at Thurgood Marshall Learning Center in partnership with Augustana College. Displayed in King’s Corner, the exhibit shared students’ lived experiences of the West End through photography and reflection, highlighting challenges, strengths, and community pride.

The PhotoVoice exhibit is supported by Quad City Arts re-granting program Arts Dollars, supported by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, and the Quad Cities Community Foundation -- Isabel Bloom Art Education Endowment.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

The Memorial Service & Awards is made possible by the dedication of King Center staff, Board members, volunteers, performers, speakers, and community partners who continue to show up year after year.

As the King Center looks ahead, the message remains clear. Reflection must lead to action. Through youth services, family advocacy, prevention education, and West End Revitalization efforts, the work continues every day.

If You Missed It

If you were unable to attend the 43rd Annual Memorial Service & Awards, or would like to experience it again, you can watch the full service online.

Watch the full service on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/live/KmCDZREcfbU

Livestream video captured by DPhilms.