“Calvin C. Goode Lifetime Achievement” Award
This award recognizes exceptional individuals who have made Phoenix a better place to live through a lifelong dedication to promoting social and economic justice, defending civil rights, and enhancing the dignity of all people. Nominations must emulate the lifelong dedication of Calvin C. Goode.
“Living The Dream” Award
This award recognizes individuals who embody the ideas of Dr. King through their continued personal commitment to human relations and social justice.
“Dr. Gene C. Blue Beacon” Award
Celebrating students who demonstrate the principles of scholarship and civic participation and the ideals of hope and possibility lived by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. These students demonstrate a personal commitment to the ideals of Dr. King through participation and leadership in school and community activities.
AZMLK "Drum Major for the Community"
The AZMLK “Drum Major for the Community” recognizes an organization or business that has demonstrated exceptional achievement and commitment to promoting and practicing diversity, inclusion, equity, and access for Phoenix residents.
Calvin C. Goode Lifetime Achievement Award
The Honorable Cody Williams is a trailblazing public servant whose four decades of volunteerism and leadership have left an indelible mark on Phoenix. For over a decade Judge Williams was the only African American Justice of the Peace in Maricopa County. His jurisdiction spanned from South Mountain to the Salt River and from Laveen to the Tempe border. He impacted and improved countless lives during his nearly 24 years as the longest serving African American elected official in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and Arizona.
Judge Williams was also a former Phoenix City Councilmember for eight years. He was the third African American to be elected to the Phoenix City Council after Dr Morrison Warren and Calvin C. Goode. He also served as the President/CEO of the Black Chamber of Arizona, where he helped hundreds of businesses get government and private sector contracts throughout Arizona.
Judge Williams has consistently exemplified Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s core values—Love, Commitment, Courage, Social Justice, Leadership, and Racial Equality. His efforts have brought nearly $6 billion in development to South and Central Phoenix, transforming neighborhoods and expanding opportunity.
Beyond his professional roles, Judge Williams has served in numerous volunteer capacities: building homes with Habitat for Humanity, coaching youth sports, organizing clean-ups, mentoring students, and creating programs like Teen Court and the District 8 Youth City Council. He’s a dedicated member of the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65. And, like the Travis L Williams Family Services Center, Post 65 is named after his father and honors his father’s legacy. Judge Williams is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and is a sponsor of the fraternity’s Guide Right mentorship program.
Judge Williams continues to be a trusted advisor to emerging leaders and a driving force behind community revitalization projects, including major retail and housing developments. His unwavering commitment to service and equity has inspired generations and earned him recognition as a living legend in Phoenix.
He lives by the motto: “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I hope that I will not have a single bit of talent left, and I can then say, “Lord, I used every bit of talent you gave me”.
"Living The Dream" Awardees
At just 11 years old, Mara Northey has dedicated hundreds of hours to serving Phoenix through hands-on volunteerism, embodying Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s values of love, commitment, courage, leadership, and social justice. Her journey began at age two, helping pack care bags for troops, and has grown into a powerful mission to uplift others.
Mara is a passionate advocate for the homeless community, volunteering with Trevor’s Vision to provide meals, clothing, and hope. She organized “Donuts for Donations,” a holiday shoe drive that collected over 300 pairs of shoes, restoring dignity and warmth to those in need. This year, she launched “Climb for a Cause,” aiming to raise $7,200 to fund a year’s supply of new underwear—an often-overlooked necessity that enhances health and self-worth. After two fundraising events last fall, she was able to double her goal, raising over $14,500 plus over $800 worth of underwear. Enough for two years!
Her courage and initiative shine through public speaking, media interviews, and rallying community support. Mara’s leadership inspires peers and adults alike, showing that service is accessible to everyone. She regularly leads neighborhood clean-ups, supports toy drives, and encourages others to join her efforts.
Mara’s impact reaches far beyond her age. Her ability to identify needs, organize solutions, and motivate others proves that even the youngest voices can drive meaningful change. She is truly “living the dream,” and her compassion and determination continue to uplift Phoenix and inspire a new generation of changemakers.
Sascha Reveron is a transformative youth leader whose advocacy and service in Arizona embody Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the “Beloved Community.” Her journey began as Miss Juneteenth Arizona 2023, a title she used not just for pageantry but as a platform to spotlight healthcare disparities, promote civic engagement, and celebrate Black heritage.
That experience was the catalyst for her current leadership roles as a state and national advocate for justice and equity as a Commissioner on the Governor’s Youth Council and with the Greater Phoenix Urban League Youth Council.
As NAACP East Valley Youth President and Region I Representative, Sascha represents youth voices across seven western states. Her leadership is defined by action; at the 2025 NAACP National Convention, she was Arizona’s sole representative to successfully amend and pass two national resolutions. As the founder of TEENgage, she connects Phoenix teens with policymakers – hosting summits that turn career interests into tangible internships and service opportunities.
Within the Phoenix community, Sascha’s footprint is profound. She founded her school’s first Multicultural Coalition to address systemic inequity. She is a fierce educator on the CROWN Act, teaching youth on the intersection of hair advocacy and self-worth. She partners with Jack & Jill and Future Stars AZ to expand youth access to educational resources and opportunities statewide.
Sascha’s efforts have earned her a grant from the Phoenix National Coalition of 100 Black Women and a national silver medal in entrepreneurship at the NAACP “ACT-SO” competition, the first for Arizona in decades.
Sascha doesn’t wait for doors to open, she builds them and holds them open for those following behind her. Her vision and unwavering resilience continue to inspire a new generation of leaders across the Valley.
Rose Hanne is a compassionate and visionary leader whose service reflects the enduring values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—commitment, love, leadership, courage, and social justice.
For over 13 years, she has mentored young women through the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and is now leading the creation of a new Rainbow Assembly in Phoenix’s historic core, expanding access to leadership, scholarship, and service for girls citywide.
Guided by her motto, “Serve with integrity, shine with compassion,” Rose approaches every act of service with empathy and purpose. She has organized hydration drives for unsheltered residents, birthday cake kits for food pantries, and teacher support initiatives for underfunded schools. She’s currently mentoring youth in a clothing drive for an orphanage in Nogales, Mexico—empowering them to lead with heart and action.
Rose’s leadership is inclusive and inspiring. She models joyful service, motivating both youth and adults to take part. Her influence has sparked new service projects among Rainbow members and expanded opportunities within Rotary circles. Through her work at Alliance Urgent Care, the Rotary Club and the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, she ensures underrepresented voices are heard and valued.
By combining initiative with compassion, Rose has built not just programs but a culture of service. Her efforts affirm dignity, create opportunity, and cultivate future leaders.
Rose’s legacy continues to shape a more equitable and caring Phoenix, making her a true embodiment of Dr. King’s dream.
Courtney Hemphill is a passionate mentor and advocate whose leadership, love, commitment, and pursuit of social justice reflect the enduring values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Through her mentorship of college students, she has transformed lives, guiding first-generation undergraduates toward success, helping them build confidence, and opening doors to professional networks and career opportunities.
In 2022, Courtney took initiative to connect mentees with industry leaders, helping one student rediscover her dream of working in human resources. Her mentorship inspired that student to lead her own peer support group and most recently, graduate early, a testament to Courtney’s lasting impact.
Courtney approaches volunteerism with genuine passion and personal dedication. She serves with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the American Heart Association, offering education and encouragement to those facing health challenges. Her presence affirms that people are seen and valued, while her advocacy expands access to care in underserved communities.
As a board member of the Desert Financial Foundation, Courtney champions equity in education and economic advancement. Her leadership and guidance have helped positively impact the lives of patients and students at Phoenix Children’s 1 Darn Cool School. In addition, she has played a pivotal role in creating brighter futures for Arizona students through her support of the Foundation’s scholarship programs. Through her service, Courtney remains deeply committed to expanding opportunity and fostering lasting change across the communities she serves.
Courtney’s influence extends beyond her mentees. Her enthusiasm inspires fellow volunteers and community members to serve with purpose. She leads with humility, compassion, and vision, embodying Dr. King’s call to uplift others and build a more just and caring Phoenix.
Drum Major for the Community Finalists
For over 31 years, 100 Black Men of Phoenix has been a fully volunteer-led organization committed to empowering youth and strengthening communities. Through its four pillars – Mentoring, Education, Health & Wellness, and Economic Empowerment – the organization exemplifies Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s values of non-violence, commitment, courage, leadership, and racial equality.
Its flagship Men of Tomorrow Academy teaches young men conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and life skills, creating safe spaces for growth and leadership. Volunteers meet weekly to provide academic support and guidance on college and career pathways.
Over the past three years, members have dedicated thousands of hours to mentoring, tutoring, and leading initiatives such as the A World in Motion STEM program, which introduces middle school students to engineering through hands-on projects. Volunteers also organize field trips, financial literacy workshops, scholarship ceremonies, and college tours—entirely funded and staffed by community members.
Beyond youth programs, the organization supports health and wellness through blood drives and community events, while also serving on civic boards to strengthen neighborhood engagement. In response to emerging needs, volunteers have launched family engagement events and built partnerships to expand their reach.
The chapter’s grassroots leadership and sustained service inspire students, families, and partners to believe in their power to create change. By modeling service as leadership, 100 Black Men of Phoenix continues to uplift lives and build a more just, compassionate Phoenix—living out Dr. King’s enduring legacy.
(National Organization of Minority Architects)
NOMAarizona, the state chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects, exemplifies Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s values through its unwavering commitment to service, leadership, social justice, and racial equality. The organization empowers underrepresented youth and professionals in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, creating pathways to opportunity and inclusion.
As a multicultural and multidisciplinary organization, NOMAarizona brings together architects, engineers, designers, and allied professionals to ensure diverse voices are represented and heard. Members actively serve on local planning boards and participate in legislative initiatives that promote equity in Phoenix communities.
Through volunteer-led programs like Project Pipeline and Arizona Kids Build, NOMAarizona introduces elementary and middle school students to architecture and design. These camps provide hands-on experiences, mentorship, and a sense of belonging—helping youth recognize their potential and dignity.
The chapter supports students and emerging professionals through scholarships, mentorship, and career development events. Its Diversity Career Fair connects students with firms for internships and full-time opportunities, helping remove barriers to entry in the design professions.
NOMAarizona also sponsors design competitions and public events that celebrate the contributions of minority architects, including the SAY IT LOUD traveling exhibition, which showcases diverse designers across Arizona.
Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, NOMAarizona continues to uplift underrepresented voices and build a more inclusive future—making it a true “Drum Major for Justice” in Phoenix.
Honor Wall