WHEN: Sunday January 19, 2025, 6:30 PM - Midnight
WHERE: Big Night Live, 110 Causeway St, Boston MA 02114
Embrace Boston is thrilled to invite you to the next chapter of our Signature Series to celebrate MLK Weekend. Join us as we go beyond remembering history—we honor, understand, and embrace it. This is your chance to be part of a night dedicated to the legacies of outstanding civic, business, and community leaders in Boston and across the country.
2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King Honorees
To be honored at Embrace Honors MLK:
- Former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker & First Lady Lauren Baker
- Former Massachusetts Governor Deval & First Lady Diane Patrick
- Sandra & John M. Borders, III
- Jill Medvedow & Richard Kazis
- Dr. Thea James and Rev Irene Monroe
To be honored at Embrace Honors Juneteenth:
- Joseph D. Feaster, Jr. & Phyllis Diane Ellison-Feaster
- Carol & Bernard Fulp
- Barbara & Amos Hostetter
- Tony Sr. & Juanita Richards
- Reverend Dr. Ray & Reverend Gloria White-Hammond
Dress to Impress
Bring your elegance & style—pair your finest formal attire with your flyest kicks. Take advantage of our early bird special to secure your spot at this redefined celebration (while tickets last)!
For More Information
- Questions? Email us at communications@embraceboston.org
- Interested in sponsorship? Contact vahsaun@embraceboston.org
The Embrace Honors MLK celebration is bringing the heat with an extraordinary lineup of DJs, groundbreaking artistry, and inspiring community contributions. Join us for a night that pays homage to justice, equity, and leadership while turning up the energy with unforgettable performances.
The DJs Leading the Night
DJ Envy
Raashaun Casey, aka DJ Envy, is a cultural powerhouse and mixtape legend. From co-hosting the iconic Breakfast Club to producing legendary hip-hop tracks, DJ Envy’s career has shaped urban music and media. DJ Envy has crafted hits for legends like JAY-Z, DMX, and Fabolous, leaving his mark on the hip-hop world both on and off the airwaves. A Radio Hall of Fame inductee, bestselling author, and entrepreneur, DJ Envy brings his unparalleled energy and crowd mastery to the Embrace Honors stage for the first time.
DJ Papadon
Known as the "Professional Vibe Catcher," Papadon is a global sensation as the official DJ for BIA, spinning at world-renowned festivals like Rolling Loud and Lollapalooza. A Boston native, Papadon is also a music producer, founder of Grade My Song, and the soon-to-launch Boston DJ Academy. His dynamic style will set the night ablaze.
DJ 4EIGN
As a cornerstone of JAM'N 94.5’s Morning Show, DJ 4EIGN is a celebrated mixmaster with a knack for blending hits that move the crowd. His high-energy sets and deep connection to the music make him one of Boston’s most beloved DJs.
Rico Suave
Ricardo Montiel, aka Rico Suave, lights up every room with his infectious energy and incredible mixes. Known for residencies at Boston’s top venues and his work on JAM'N 94.5 and Rumba 97.7, Rico Suave’s versatile style guarantees a set you won’t forget.
DJ Kii
A rising star in Boston’s music scene, DJ Kii blends creativity and technical mastery to deliver unforgettable performances. Whether rocking the decks at exclusive events or turning up the heat on dance floors, DJ Kii is making waves and will add her signature flair to the night.
Honoring Our Community Through Music & Arts
White Snake Projects
An activist opera company led by Cerise Jacobs, White Snake Projects uses opera to drive social change. From the Pulitzer Prize-winning Madame White Snake to cutting-edge virtual performances, this visionary company is redefining storytelling through art and technology.
The Hamilton-Garrett Center for Music & Arts (HGMA)
For over 20 years, HGMA has been a cornerstone of Boston’s cultural landscape, empowering inner-city youth to become producers of culture, not just consumers. A proud partner of Berklee College of Music, HGMA preserves Black music and celebrates the next generation of artists.
Berklee All Star Jazz Band This talented group of Berklee College of Music students will take the stage, showcasing their exceptional skills and delivering a dynamic performance that honors the spirit of the evening. Their unique sound promises to add an extra layer of excitement and sophistication to the Embrace Honors MLK celebration.
Meet the Faces of the Evening
Our incredible hosts for Embrace Honors MLK: Melisa Valdez, in-arena host for the Boston Celtics; Latoyia Edwards, Emmy-winning anchor from NBC 10 Boston; Kwani A. Lunis, multimedia journalist and host of NBC 10's Hub Today; and A.B. Deleveaux, a leader in community initiatives at CNCPTS and co-founder of the Family Flea Market.. These dynamic personalities will guide us through an unforgettable night of celebration and inspiration.
See you there for an MLK weekend like never before!
Special Thanks To Our Host Committee
Host Committee Chairs
Jeff Bellows
Michael Curry
Alison Quirk
Colleen Richards Powell
Jerome Smith
Host Committee
The Honorable Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley & Conan Harris
Hilina Ajakaiye
TK Ankner
Brenda Bancel
Maggie Baxter
Aixa Beauchamp
Charlene Bert
Liz Bialecki
Linda Mason & Roger Brown
Paul Buttenwieser
Jim Canales
Alix Cantave
Jessica Castro
Turahn Dorsey
Travonne Edwards
Paul English
Robert Fernandez
Brian J. Focarino
Courtney Forrester
Betty & Paul Francisco
Kevin Gayle
Nia Grace
Kate Guedj
Pam & Ken Hurd
Tito Jackson
Joel Jaquez
Cameron Knight
Sandy Lish
Juan Lopera
Melissa MacDonnell
Petrina Martin
Elaine Martyn
José C. Massó, III
Ali Mathias
Kevin McGovern
Martin Meehan
Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan
Thomas O'Brien
Tyler Petropulos
Colette Phillips
Deon Point
Adam Clayton Powell, IV
Dr. Joan Reede
Johanna Rodriguez
Yvonne Tang
Corey Thomas
Nicole Dian Ulichnie
Timothy Warren
Chris Wayland