Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration 2027

Keynote Speaker

President Darrell K. Williams

President Williams joined Hampton University in July 2022 from Leidos, a Fortune 250 information technology company where he served as vice president for Defense Group Logistics and subsequently as vice president and managing director of the $9 Billion global United Kingdom (U.K.) Ministry of Defense Logistics Commodities and Services Transformation (LCST) contract

Upon his graduation from Hampton Institute (University) and commissioning as a Distinguished Military Graduate into the U.S. Army in 1983, LTG Williams served throughout the Continental U.S., Europe, the Pacific, and the Middle East. In August 2020, LTG Williams culminated in his distinguished military career as director of the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Logistics Agency (DLA), where he led a global workforce of over 26,000 professionals.

Since returning to his alma mater as President, the University has experienced a remarkable 46 percent increase in enrollment and achieved a post-graduation success rate of 94 percent. Hampton University has also been recognized among the Top 50 institutions in the nation for social mobility. President Williams’s leadership is characterized by a strong commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the enhancement of the University’s information technology infrastructure.

Beyond Hampton, President Williams serves on numerous academic and economic development boards and is a life member of several distinguished organizations, reflecting his unwavering commitment to service. His many accolades include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, and recognition as one of the “50 Most Important African Americans in Technology” by the Journal of Black Innovation. He was recently featured in two prominent magazines, “US Black Engineer & Information Technology” and “COI Views” for his leadership and innovation approach to higher education.

President Williams holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Hampton Institute (University); a Master of Science degree in business administration from the Pennsylvania State University, State College; a Master of Military Arts and Science degree from the Army Combined and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and a Master of Science degree in National Security Strategy from the National War College, Fort McNair, Washington, District of Columbia as a distinguished graduate.

President Williams is married to First Lady Myra Richardson Williams, a career educator and a 1983 graduate of Hampton Institute (University). Together, they have two adult children, Jocelyn Williams Cooper and Colin E. Williams, Esquire. Jocelyn is married to Mr. Gerron E. Cooper. President Williams and the First Lady are also the proud grandparents of their grandson, Micah.

Emcee

Latoyia Edwards

Latoyia Edwards is an Emmy Award-winning anchor on NBC10 Boston and NECN. She was recently named one of Boston Magazine’s Most Influential Bostonians. She is a multi-talented journalist moderating political debates, field-anchoring live news events, securing exclusive one-on-one interviews and emceeing countless charity events each year.She joined the NBC10 Boston and NECN family as a morning reporter, arriving from WWLP-22 in Springfield, Massachusetts, where she had been a weekday anchor. During her tenure, she has enjoyed success serving as a health reporter, weekend anchor, evening news anchor, before landing In her favorite role as morning news anchor alongside Raul Martinez and Matt Noyes.Latoyia celebrates her hometown roots as a native of Boston's Dorchester neighborhood. She is a graduate of Boston Public Schools, including the exam school Boston Latin Academy.

She graduated magna cum laude from Emerson College with a degree in broadcast journalism. She began her career as a news writer for WBZ 1030 AM radio and later reported for the Fox affiliate WICZ-TV 40 in Binghamton, New York.She first anchored television for MediaOne cable news network, while also reporting as the morning drive news anchor for WILD 1090 AM. Additionally, she has instructed courses for the Connecticut School of Broadcasting. She also represented Massachusetts in the Miss USA pageant.Latoyia and her husband are so grateful to raise their family in Massachusetts. One of her greatest joys is volunteering with youth groups and other charities She greatly enjoys volunteering with youth groups like Girls Inc of Lynn, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, Worcester and Greater Lowell, Save the Children, EV KIDS and the Boston Arts Academy. One of her proudest moments was earning an honorary doctorate from Endicott University for her contributions to the field of journalism.

Singer

Dr. Michelle Brooks-Thompson

Dr. Michelle Brooks-Thompson is a Grammy-nominated independent recording artist and former finalist from Season 3 of NBC's The Voice. She earned the title of Grand Champion at Amateur Night at the Apollo in 2017 and has triumphed in over 21 vocal competitions, establishing herself as a dynamic powerhouse vocalist.

Known for her powerful renditions of the National Anthem, Michelle has performed at major sporting events across the NBA, NFL, and MLB, receiving accolades for her heartfelt performances. She was honored with a citation from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for her rendition at the Massachusetts State House during the 1st Annual Massachusetts Military Appreciation Day in May 2025. She served as the National Anthem singer for the Boston Celtics for over 11 years, and has served as the National Anthem singer for the new Professional Women’s Hockey Team Boston Fleet.

Her music spans multiple genres, including Gospel, Smooth Jazz, and R&B, with notable releases such as the Grammy-nominated single "The Fury’s Blues" (2025), "Never Give Up" (2022), and "Woman First" (2021). Her work has achieved chart success on various billboards both nationally and internationally.

Michelle has earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including a nomination for the Better Business Bureau Emerging Leader Award in 2025, highlighting her achievements as a Small Business Owner. In addition, she won Best Soul and Inspirational Artist of the Year at the 56th Annual GBOS Celebration Gala in 2024 (Boston). Her song "Never Give Up" was recognized for Best Gospel Song Performance on the first-round ballot for the Dove Awards and Grammy Awards in 2022. Additionally, she received four nominations at the Dunmas Gospel Awards and was recognized as National Female Soloist of the Year at the Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards. She’s been nominated and the winner of several other music awards.

In recognition of her community service, Michelle was awarded the 2023 Black in Excellence on the Hill Award by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, and the Community Leadership Award by the New Year Better Us Organization. She also received a citation from Mayor William C. Reichelt of West Springfield for her outstanding contributions to music in June 2024. In June 2022, Michelle was awarded the Community Impact Award for Outstanding Gospel Vocalist and Artist Spotlight Award by FPAD non- profit organization (Conyers, GA).

Michelle holds an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Humanities from United College and Seminary International, awarded in July 2025. She is a private vocal teacher and is actively involved in her community. She serves as the worship leader for Red Oak Church (West Springfield, MA) and is the founder of the nonprofit Heart of the Earth. For more information, please visit her website: www.michellebrooksthompsonmusic.com.

Artist

Rob Surette

Rob Surette is one of the top artists in the world today as well as a prominent humanitarian. He has appeared on: The Oprah Winfrey Show, The TODAY Show twice, Good Morning America twice, and The Tonight Show! He is a Top-Tier Master Fine Artist for: Disney, Lucasfilm, DC Comics, DreamWorks and Muppets!

Feel free to visit him on the web at: AmazingHeroArt.com and www.facebook.com/RobSuretteAmazingHeroArt

Young Adult Professional

Yahni Lapa

Yahni Lapa was born and raised in Newton, MA. She was baptized at GFCC and has been attending the church since a young age. She completed her undergraduate studies at Brandeis University, majoring in Health Science and minoring in Anthropology and International and Global Studies in May 2023. She also recently graduated from Boston University in May 2026, where she completed a dual-master's degree in Public Health and Social Work.

During her time at Brandeis, she engaged in coursework and professional positions that further aimed to support vulnerable populations, including communities of color. Yahni served as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion intern through the Office of DEI, working to bridge the gap between students and student athletes on how to have difficult conversations around racial equity and advocate for those less fortunate. She also served as a Study Abroad Ambassador, encouraging students to study abroad and step out of their comfort zones. Outside of her academic responsibilities, Yahni was a captain on the women's track and field team, where she competed as a 400- meter hurdler.

At Boston University, Yahni served as the Communication Coordinator for the Students of Color for Public Health club, helping to organize events to promote an inclusive space for students of color. She completed two social work internships that focused on youth and family mental health, as well as connecting families to resources to promote positive health and well-being. During her time at BU, Yahni also ran the 2026 Boston Marathon, raising over $13,000 for The Second Step, an organization that supports survivors of domestic violence.

As a newly licensed Clinical Social Worker with an added angle of public health education and promotion, Yahni aims to work with youth struggling with mental health challenges and is an advocate for social justice. She carries the spirit of Dr. King in her work and beyond.

Youth Presenter

Sydney Battle

Sydney Battle is an Attleboro High School junior and has distinguished herself as a student whose commitment to learning is grounded in a deeply personal sense of purpose. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s belief that education is a powerful force for dismantling injustice, Sydney views learning as a pathway to breaking down barriers and expanding opportunities for all. She plans to pursue studies in Environmental Sustainability and Public Health, aiming to protect the natural world and ensure that individuals facing hardship are treated with dignity — safe, seen, and supported.

Sydney’s dedication to service is evident throughout the Attleboro community. She volunteers with Attleboro High School’s Leo Club, the Black Student Association, the City of Attleboro Sustainability Commission Group, Mass Audubon’s Oak Knoll Wildlife Sanctuary, The AHS Ceramics Club, and the Attleboro Public Library’s Teen Volunteer Program. She also works parttime as a YMCA Assistant Group Care Leader, supporting children ages 5 to 11. Her commitment extends beyond the school year; Sydney has served as a counselor in training for several summer camps and continues to explore her creativity as an avid ceramics artist. She has also broadened her global perspective through travel to more than 20 countries across four continents.

Looking ahead, Sydney hopes to use her education to advocate for clean air, safe neighborhoods, and a stronger sense of community. Reflecting Dr. King’s values, she believes in protecting the shared spaces people rely on and ensuring that every neighborhood is one where individuals are respected and valued.

A dedicated student and active community member, Sydney balances her academic and volunteer responsibilities with activities she loves, including cooking, swimming, and finding time to relax in ways that bring her joy.