The Embrace Honors MLK: Friends & Family Sneaker Affair was an unforgettable evening of unity, celebration, and community. Held at Big Night Live, this one-of-a-kind event brought together changemakers, creatives, and community leaders to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King in style. Here’s a recap of this incredible night, captured through stunning photos that highlight the spirit and purpose of the occasion.
Honoring Our Luminaries
At the heart of the evening were the honorees—remarkable individuals and couples whose contributions have advanced justice, equity, and leadership. This year’s honorees included:
Former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and First Lady Lauren Baker
Former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and First Lady Diane Patrick.
Sandra and Bishop John M. Borders III.
Jill Medvedow and Richard Kazis.
Dr. Thea James and Rev. Irene Monroe.
Their leadership and dedication inspire us all to continue the work of building a more equitable and just future.
The evening came alive thanks to the exceptional talents of our performers and artists, including DJ Envy, DJ Papadon, DJ 4EIGN, Rico Suave, DJ Kii, Beto Vetto, White Snake Projects, Hamilton-Garrett Center for Music & Arts, and the Berklee All-Star Jazz Band.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our event hosts: Melisa Valdez, Latoyia Edwards, Kwani A. Lunis, and A.B. Deleveaux, whose vibrant energy guided us through the night.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Host Committee Chairs Jeff Bellows, Michael Curry, Alison Quirk, Colleen Richards Powell, and Jerome Smith, whose leadership and dedication were instrumental in bringing the 2025 Embrace Honors MLK celebration to life.
To our incredible Host Committee, your commitment to this event and our mission has been nothing short of extraordinary. Your tireless efforts in rallying support, fostering community, and creating an unforgettable evening reflect the spirit of unity and service Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King championed.
Thank you for your unwavering support and for making this celebration a true reflection of the beloved community. This celebration would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, partners, and the dedication of so many behind the scenes. Your contributions uplift the mission of Embrace Boston and help keep the spirit of the beloved community alive.
As we move forward, we invite you to stay engaged with our work. Your continued support ensures that we can amplify stories of resilience, celebrate leaders, and inspire collective action. Thank you for being part of this unforgettable evening. Together, we honor, uplift, and continue the legacy of Dr. King.
Check out the full photo recap, and stay tuned for more events and initiatives that continue this important work.