The HeroZona Foundation and the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 will be hosting a special program on Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 (1624 E Broadway Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85040). The program will celebrate the dream of Dr. King on Monday, January 21, 2019. The event will run from 4 to 6 p.m. and include recognition from the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Public Service (APS), and a variety of civil rights leaders, district council members and many other notable figures.
“I’m honored to partner with the American Legion Post 65 to celebrate and honor the great civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” says U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran and HeroZona Foundation Co-Founder, Alan “AP” Powell.
The Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 Commander, Jarvis Reddick, will begin the program with welcoming remarks and introductions will be given by the Former Democratic Leader of the Arizona State House of Representatives, Art Hamilton. The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by the Sons of American Legion Commander for Post 65, Dennis E. Prince Sr. and the invocation will be given by the Senior Pastor at First Institutional Baptist Church, Dr. Warren H. Stewart Sr.
“Dr. King’s inspirational leadership helped our country work through one of the most divisive times in our history. His commitment to peaceful change is a lesson that we must always remember, because it is just as powerful and relevant today,” says Arizona Attorney General, Mark Brnovich.
During the program, U.S. Navy Veteran and APS President, Jeffrey B. Guldner, will present the 2019 APS Inspirational Leadership Award to the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65. The award recognizes the post for its service to Arizona military veterans and the South Phoenix Community.
“The Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 has a long history of community service activities that have positively impacted the lives of Phoenicians. The enduring spirit of Dr. King shines through in the work the Post does with veterans, young people and others in the South Phoenix community,” says APS President, Jeffrey Guldner.
The Phoenix Suns will also announce their Community Connection Award to the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65. In the 2016-2017 season, the Suns donated a total of 2,157 tickets to the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65, in conjunction with the HeroZona Foundation. These tickets were given to the community of South Phoenix and used for events such as their Military Appreciation Night and Ring of Honor Suite Donations. Additionally, the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury teams will announce its plans to renovate the men and women’s restrooms at the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65.
“The Phoenix Suns are proud to recognize the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65, particularly as we come together to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. As Dr. King taught us, it is our obligation and duty to actively
participate in the communities in which we live, work and play. Post 65 continues to lead by example through the civic and philanthropic actions of its membership, and we are committed to supporting their ongoing efforts,” says President and CEO of the Phoenix Suns, Jason Rowley.
The event will include speakers such as Stewart; Arizona State Representative District 27, Reginald Bolding and President of the NAACP Maricopa County Branch, Dr. Karen Hardin. Special guests include Guldner; Arizona Corporate Council on Veteran Careers Co-Chairman and U.S. Navy Rear Adm. (R), Hal Pittman; U.S. Senator and U.S. Air Force Combat Veteran, Martha McSally; Arizona Attorney General, Mark Brnovich; President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Glenn Hamer; and President and CEO of the Phoenix Suns, Jason Rowley.
“The Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 deserves tremendous credit for its work on behalf of our neighborhoods and our veterans. We applaud the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 for this tribute to Dr. King and for its continuous investment in our community. Because of the contributions of the American Legion, Arizona is a richer place to call home,” says Hamer.
To conclude the program, a tribute to Dr. King will be given by American Legion members, Elmer Green and Dr. Fish. Stewart will give the goodbye benediction.
