Author and cultural critic Roxane Gay gave the keynote address during the 2020 Community MLK Celebration for the theme "Taking a Stand."
April Ryan delivered the 2019 keynote address under the theme of "Women in the Movement."
MSNBC Correspondent Joy Reid delivered 2018's keynote address "We Are the Change We Seek." (Photo by Kristen Finn)
On January 26, 2017, Anita Hill gave the Community MLK Celebration keynote address "Reimagining Equality: Inclusive Communities in Post-Obama America."
The University of Virginia recognized Commonwealth Professor of English and former U.S. poet laureate Rita Dove in 2013 at the Paramount Theater.
Democratic political strategist, university professor, author, and columnist Donna Brazile gave the 2011 keynote address.
Past Keynote Speakers:
2011 - Donna Brazile
2012 - Harry Belafonte and Julian Bond
2013 - Robert M. Franklin
2014 - Michael Eric Dyson
2015 - Ta-Nehisi Coates
2017 - Anita Hill
2018 - Joy Reid
2019 - April Ryan
2020 - Roxane Gay
2021 - Supporting Relief Efforts in Our Local Community
2022 - Yamiche Alcindor
2023 - Yaba Blay