Urban League of Hampton Roads to Present Martin Luther King Service Awards Jan. 15

Norfolk, Va.— The Urban League of Hampton Roads will present three Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Awards to three area leaders at the Seventeenth Annual Martin Luther King Community Leaders Breakfast, Monday, Jan. 15 at 7:30 a.m. in the Scott Dozier Dining Hall, located on the campus of Norfolk State University.

The award is presented to individuals who have performed exceptional community service, which exemplifies the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr.  The recipients are as follow:

Robert L. Fodrey-Fodrey, a retired director of the Navy’s Regional Office of Civilian Manpower in Norfolk, is a former member of the Virginia House of Delegates.  He has shown tremendous interest in the life and welfare of the Hampton Roads community and has been actively involved in a host of educational and community organizations. 

Hildegarde Owens Richardson-Richardson has devoted more than 13 years to educating the community about the HIV/AIDS epidemic.  She developed and implemented a comprehensive HIV/AIDS programs for universities, the American Red Cross, the U.S. Navy and a variety of other civic and social organizations across the country.

Leonard J. Watkins-Watkins, president of The Players Guild, has served the community for more than 40 years with his work in the performing arts.  He has been the leading man in several theatre plays given by The Players Guild, one of the oldest black guilds in Virginia.  His service in the performing arts has enhanced the cultural life of Hampton Roads.

 In addition to the presentation of awards, Monsignor Walter C. Barrett, Jr., former rector and pastor of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, will deliver the keynote address.

 The cost for the breakfast is $20 per person.  Although tickets may be purchased at the door, pre-registration by Jan. 12 is preferred.  For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Urban League Office at 627-0864, ext. 25 or fax ticket request to 627-8016.

      -MDG-