MLK CELEBRATION 2024 10am Showing

MLK CELEBRATION 2024 7pm Showing

Thanks to our Sponsors

MLK CELEBRATION

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

- Martin Luther King Jr.


Our Purpose

The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Montgomery serves a multifaceted purpose, aiming to commemorate and honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event is more than a remembrance; it's a celebration of values such as equality, justice, and unity that Dr. King passionately advocated. Through inspirational stories and educational initiatives, the celebration seeks to inspire and educate the community about the principles championed by Dr. King, fostering a collective commitment to positive social change. Additionally, the event provides a platform for bringing the community together, promoting a sense of unity akin to the "beloved community" envisioned by Dr. King. By recognizing and acknowledging individuals and organizations that actively contribute to community betterment, the celebration encourages social responsibility. Furthermore, cultural elements and performances contribute to promoting cultural awareness, showcasing the rich diversity within the community. Overall, the celebration serves as a dynamic force for fostering unity, inspiring positive action, and continuing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.


The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Montgomery serves a multifaceted purpose, aiming to commemorate and honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event is more than a remembrance; it's a celebration of values such as equality, justice, and unity that Dr. King passionately advocated. Through inspirational stories and educational initiatives, the celebration seeks to inspire and educate the community about the principles championed by Dr. King, fostering a collective commitment to positive social change. Additionally, the event provides a platform for bringing the community together, promoting a sense of unity akin to the "beloved community" envisioned by Dr. King. By recognizing and acknowledging individuals and organizations that actively contribute to community betterment, the celebration encourages social responsibility. Furthermore, cultural elements and performances contribute to promoting cultural awareness, showcasing the rich diversity within the community. Overall, the celebration serves as a dynamic force for fostering unity, inspiring positive action, and continuing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Our Celebration History

Inaugurated in 2014, Montgomery's Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, hosted by Friends of the Theatre and now in its 10th year, pays homage to the civil rights icon while recognizing local individuals embodying his values. The initiative was spearheaded by creative director Tommie Tonea Stewart, who, after establishing a comparable celebration in her native Mississippi, sought to continue and expand the tradition upon moving to Montgomery. Stewart's dedication underscores the event's enduring significance in fostering community and preserving the legacy of Dr. King.


Inaugurated in 2014, Montgomery's Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, hosted by Friends of the Theatre and now in its 10th year, pays homage to the civil rights icon while recognizing local individuals embodying his values. The initiative was spearheaded by creative director Tommie Tonea Stewart, who, after establishing a comparable celebration in her native Mississippi, sought to continue and expand the tradition upon moving to Montgomery. Stewart's dedication underscores the event's enduring significance in fostering community and preserving the legacy of Dr. King.

2024 MLK Celebration Special Guests

Lady Tramaine Hawkins


Tramaine Hawkins, a gift and voice we came to know and love in the late ‘60s. Literally born in church in the San Francisco Bay Area as her mother, the late Lois Davis. At ten years of age she recorded her first single, “He’s All Right!” as part of a Gospel group known as the Heavenly Tones. Two years later the group was produced by Gospel legend, the Rev. James Cleveland. At fifteen, the Heavenly Tones accepted an offer to travel with Sly & The Family Stone - all except Tramaine. She chose to continue her education and remain in Gospel, and later to join Andre Crouch and the Disciples! In 1969 upon graduating from Berkeley High School, Tramaine joined the Edwin Hawkins Singers and was a part of the Gospel Music Revolution via the recording of “Oh Happy Day.”. Known to be a trailblazer, she’s gone against the grain many times for the sake of catapulting Gospel Music to another level. Before the recent changes we’ve experienced in the ‘90s, Ms. Hawkins was there in the ‘80s with her controversial hit (to the churches), “Fall Down” which became a number one hit on the dance charts (another first of a Gospel record). This gave Ms. Hawkins an opportunity to minister in the clubs which was greatly frowned upon. However she stood tall ministering in the highways and hedges as commanded and was responsible for many new souls in to the Kingdom of God.  Now residing in Sacramento, CA with husband Tommie E. Richardson, Jr. Tramaine continues to travel the globe participating in conferences, workshops, revivals, and concerts granting as many interviews and appearances along the way as she can.

Victory Brinker 

Victory Brinker is an 11yr. year old internationally recognized classical singer, best known as an America’s Got Talent finalist and the first ever Group Golden Buzzer winner. Victory is also the Guinness World Record’s Youngest Opera Singer and sings in 8 languages. Some of Victory’s notable national performances have been on NBC’s Little Big Shots, Dr. Phil, CBS Mornings, CNN, Wonderama, and TED Talks, along with performances at the infamous Carnegie Hall and Apollo Theater.

She is also an actress and has appeared in films, commercials, opera and stage productions. 

When not performing, Victory is an activist for the homeless. She lives in Latrobe, Pennsylvania with her large family, including her ten siblings. Victory also enjoys piano, skating, swimming and STEM. 


Victory Brinker 

Victory Brinker 

Victory Brinker is an 11yr. year old internationally recognized classical singer, best known as an America’s Got Talent finalist and the first ever Group Golden Buzzer winner. Victory is also the Guinness World Record’s Youngest Opera Singer and sings in 8 languages. Some of Victory’s notable national performances have been on NBC’s Little Big Shots, Dr. Phil, CBS Mornings, CNN, Wonderama, and TED Talks, along with performances at the infamous Carnegie Hall and Apollo Theater.

She is also an actress and has appeared in films, commercials, opera and stage productions. 

When not performing, Victory is an activist for the homeless. She lives in Latrobe, Pennsylvania with her large family, including her ten siblings. Victory also enjoys piano, skating, swimming and STEM. 


Lady Tramaine Hawkins

Lady Tramaine Hawkins


Tramaine Hawkins, a gift and voice we came to know and love in the late ‘60s. Literally born in church in the San Francisco Bay Area as her mother, the late Lois Davis. At ten years of age she recorded her first single, “He’s All Right!” as part of a Gospel group known as the Heavenly Tones. Two years later the group was produced by Gospel legend, the Rev. James Cleveland. At fifteen, the Heavenly Tones accepted an offer to travel with Sly & The Family Stone - all except Tramaine. She chose to continue her education and remain in Gospel, and later to join Andre Crouch and the Disciples! In 1969 upon graduating from Berkeley High School, Tramaine joined the Edwin Hawkins Singers and was a part of the Gospel Music Revolution via the recording of “Oh Happy Day.”. Known to be a trailblazer, she’s gone against the grain many times for the sake of catapulting Gospel Music to another level. Before the recent changes we’ve experienced in the ‘90s, Ms. Hawkins was there in the ‘80s with her controversial hit (to the churches), “Fall Down” which became a number one hit on the dance charts (another first of a Gospel record). This gave Ms. Hawkins an opportunity to minister in the clubs which was greatly frowned upon. However she stood tall ministering in the highways and hedges as commanded and was responsible for many new souls in to the Kingdom of God.  Now residing in Sacramento, CA with husband Tommie E. Richardson, Jr. Tramaine continues to travel the globe participating in conferences, workshops, revivals, and concerts granting as many interviews and appearances along the way as she can.

Sponsor Benefits

Sponsor Benefits

Sponsoring Montgomery's Martin Luther King Jr. Visibility and Exposure Celebration can offer several benefits for businesses and individuals looking to support this meaningful event:

Community Engagement

  • Sponsors become integral contributors to a community-focused event, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and engagement

Positive Brand Image

  • Associating with a celebration that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. can enhance a sponsor's brand image, showcasing values of diversity, equality, and justice

Visibility and Exposure

  • Sponsors receive acknowledgment and visibility during the event, whether through signage, mentions in promotional materials, or other forms of recognition, providing exposure to a diverse audience.

Networking Opportunities

  • Sponsorship often comes with access to exclusive events or networking opportunities, allowing sponsors to connect with other businesses, community leaders, and event attendees

Sponsor Benefits

Sponsoring Montgomery's Martin Luther King Jr. Visibility and Exposure Celebration can offer several benefits for businesses and individuals looking to support this meaningful event:

Community Engagement

  • Sponsors become integral contributors to a community-focused event, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and engagement

Positive Brand Image

  • Associating with a celebration that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. can enhance a sponsor's brand image, showcasing values of diversity, equality, and justice

Visibility and Exposure

  • Sponsors receive acknowledgment and visibility during the event, whether through signage, mentions in promotional materials, or other forms of recognition, providing exposure to a diverse audience.

Networking Opportunities

  • Sponsorship often comes with access to exclusive events or networking opportunities, allowing sponsors to connect with other businesses, community leaders, and event attendees

Our Supporters

Thank you to all our Sponsors for making the 7th Annual Martin Luther King Jr Celebration possible. We Appreciate their support of Our Community.


Thank you to all our Sponsors for making the 7th Annual Martin Luther King Jr Celebration possible. We Appreciate their support of Our Community.


Our Sponsors

  • Seraaj Fmaily Homes, Inc
  • The Grandma Home House Retreat
  • Grand District Deputy # 8 - R.H. Rice Lodge No 345 (Mr. Donald R. Parks)
  • Attorney Daniel Harris, Jr. - Attorney at Law, LLC 
  • Dr. Mary Hill Lowe - Hill & Lowe Educational Services, Inc.
  • Pastor Ken Austin - Mercy House
  • Dr. Ralph Redd - AVS Alabama Vascular Specialists
  • Mr. Mark Bunting - WSFA Television
  • Dr. Quinton T. Ross - President of Alabama State University
  • Mrs. Sue Tang Woods - Tang's Alterations 
  • Mr. Daniel and Mrs. Rita Lewis - Lake Point Vineyard & Winery
  • Mrs. Martha Hawkins - Martha's Place Restaurant and Catering
  • Dixie Electric 
  • Commissioner Isaiah Sankey - District 4
  • Mr. Eddie McKinney
  • Attorney Theron Stokes - The Alabama Education Association
  • SAMs - Walmart
  • Beulah Baptist Church
  • Dr. Oseamuede Osemwota - St. Louis Dermatology Center
  • Dr. Melvin Alonza Lowe, III & Dr. Marvin Alexander Lowe - Hill & Lowe Educational Services, Inc. 
  • Ms. Gwendolyn Robinson - Pure Visions
  • ITEC - Institute for Total Eye Care, P.C.
  • Bishop Parker Furniture
  • Dr. Parm E. Scott 
  • Dr. Belfondia Pou - Pou Family Medicine, LLC
  • Dr. Keith S. Hughes
  • Mr. Doug and Millie Isaacson - Extra Space Storage
  • Representative Anthony Daniels
  • Mr. Tracy McCall & Mrs. Latricia Arnold-McCall, EdS - TopTemp Heating and Cooling 
  • Dr. Sharon Ross - Ross-Clayton Funeral Home
  • Mrs. Jacquelyn Cummings & Mr. James T. Cummings - E.G. Cummings Funeral Home, Inc.

" Friends of the Theatre are dedicated individuals who help bring Theatre and the creative arts to life in the Montgomery Area."


 Program Participants


  • Available Worship
  • Bethany Seventh Day Adventist
  • Church of the Ascension
  • Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter
  • First Congregational Christian Church
  • First Baptist GWP
  • Grace Pike Road
  • Historic Tabernacle Baptist
  • Holt Street Baptist
  • Holy Spirit Catholic Church
  • Hutchinson Missionary Baptist
  • Vaughn Park Church of Christ


  • Lily Baptist Church
  • Macedonia Missionary Baptist
  • Maxwell AFB - All Faith Chapel
  • Mercy Baptist
  • MTCFC - Birmingham
  • Oak Hill Church
  • Resurrection Catholic Church
  • St. James Missionary Baptist #2
  • St. Paul AME
  • Thelma Baptist Church
  • True Divine Baptist
  • United Methodist


Thank You


We extend our sincere gratitude for taking the time to review our sponsorship proposal. Your interest in supporting our cause is truly appreciated. We believe that together, we can create a positive impact and make our upcoming event a success.


Should you have any questions or if there's additional information you require, please feel free to reach out to us via phone at: T. Stewart 334-717-9679 or E. Patterson 334-467-1291.


We value your consideration and look forward to the possibility of working together. Thank you once again for your time and consideration.


ANNUAL MLK COMMUNITY CELEBRATION 2024 Our Sponsors gracious blessing to this cause can be mailed by December 20, 2023 to: Friends of the Theatre, P.O. Box 6195,Montgomery, Al 36106 Or, via CASH APP to: $FOTMGM2021 Friday January 19th 2024 at 10:00am and 7:00pm


The 7:00 pm celebration will be covered by WSFA-TV Live! The Davis Theatre, 251 Montgomery St. Montgomery, AL 36104

Thank You


We extend our sincere gratitude for taking the time to review our sponsorship proposal. Your interest in supporting our cause is truly appreciated. We believe that together, we can create a positive impact and make our upcoming event a success.


Should you have any questions or if there's additional information you require, please feel free to reach out to us via phone at: T. Stewart 334-717-9679 or E. Patterson 334-467-1291.


We value your consideration and look forward to the possibility of working together. Thank you once again for your time and consideration.


ANNUAL MLK COMMUNITY CELEBRATION 2024 Our Sponsors gracious blessing to this cause can be mailed by December 20, 2023 to: Friends of the Theatre, P.O. Box 6195,Montgomery, Al 36106 Or, via CASH APP to: $FOTMGM2021 Friday January 19th 2024 at 10:00am and 7:00pm


The 7:00 pm celebration will be covered by WSFA-TV Live! The Davis Theatre, 251 Montgomery St. Montgomery, AL 36104

MLK CELBRATION 2024 INFORMATION

Download PDF here

FOT PDF Documents.pdf

Download PDF here

FOT PDF Documents.pdf

Download PDF here

Student Consent Form.pdf

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