Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services to Host 2025 Social Justice Impact Awards
SPRINGFIELD — Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services (MLKFS) announced the recipients of the 2025 Social Justice Impact Awards, honoring individuals and organizations whose work embodies the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, Oct. 18 at noon at Twin Hills Country Club, celebrating changemakers who uplift equity, justice, and community transformation.
This year’s theme, inspired by King’s enduring words — “We are determined to work and fight until justice runs down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream”— led the nonprofit to recognize those who lead with courage and compassion. This year’s 2025 Social Justice Impact Award honorees represent the spirit of social justice across sectors, from education and health to arts, enterprise, and civic engagement. They are:
• Rev. Barbara Headley, Zion Community Baptist Church: Faith-Based Leadership
• Justin Haynes, JUS10H.com: Impact Through Enterprise
• Kali Green, Springfield Cultural Partnership: Arts and Cultural Advocacy
• Sheldon Smith, Make-It Springfield: Architect of Equity and Expression
• Rev. Terrlyn Curry Avery, Healing Racism Institute of Pioneer Valley, Race Relations Leadership
• Tyonne Hinson, Baystate Health: Health Equity Advocacy
• Andrew Morehouse and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts team: Civic Engagement Champions
• Dawn DiStefano, Square One: Equity in Education
• Icie Jones, retired, real estate and housing: Trailblazer Lifetime Achievement
• Maddy Landrau, MassMutual: Equity in Economic Development
The featured keynote speaker is author and educator Stefan Bradley, the Charles Hamilton Houston 1915 Professor of Black Studies and History at Amherst College. Bradley’s major works include his most recent book, If We Don’t Get It: A People’s History of Ferguson. He has appeared on C-SPAN Book TV, NPR, PRI, as well as in documentaries on the Oprah Winfrey Network and the History Channel. An educator at heart, Bradley’s life ambition is to personally teach, mentor, and inspire the young people who change the world for the better.
The afternoon will feature powerful storytelling and community celebration in support of the mission at Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services to lead with hope and drive action, shaping futures and igniting transformation across cultures and generations. This includes awardee celebrations; immersive live art with LESN101, a Lao American visual artist; a performance by Vanessa Ford; a book signing with Bradley and his newest book (books provided by local bookseller Olive Tree Books-n-Voices); a raffle of exclusive experiences; and live music with MLKFS youth and local musicians.
Click here to register or learn more. For inquiries or sponsorship and ad opportunities still available, email Claudia Pazmany at [email protected].
