Living Legends Awards Celebrates Two Decades of Honoring Community Champions

The Living Legends Awards for Service to Humanity will mark its 20th anniversary this February, continuing a long-standing tradition of recognizing individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to community service and social progress.

Founded in 2006 by Doreen Hines, the awards ceremony has historically honored more than 50 remarkable individuals, including notable figures such as U.S. Congressman John Lewis, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, and Nobel Laureate Leymah Gbowee. This year's event, themed 'Champions of Change', will continue that legacy by highlighting four distinguished honorees who represent diverse fields of community impact.

The 2025 Living Legends will recognize Joseph McCoy as an Advocate Within Faith Community, Jason Holt and Angela Holder as Champions of Restorative Justice, and David R. Williams as a Leader in Social Science and Health Equity. Each honoree represents a unique pathway of service that demonstrates the profound ways individuals can drive meaningful social transformation.

The awards ceremony serves a critical educational purpose, introducing younger generations to role models who exemplify sustained, dedicated community service. By showcasing these living legends, the foundation aims to inspire future community leaders and emphasize the transformative power of individual commitment.

The in-person celebration will take place at the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, providing an opportunity for community members from Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia to gather and recognize extraordinary contributions to societal well-being.

As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, the Living Legends Awards Foundation continues to utilize arts and storytelling as a mechanism for illuminating impactful personal narratives of service, ultimately motivating ordinary individuals to create meaningful change within their own communities.