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MLK CELEBRATION 2025

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

- Martin Luther King Jr.


January 17th, 2025 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

At the Davis Theatre

Host & Hostess Tonya Terry & Mark Bullock

MLK  CELEBRATION 2025 EVENT PHOTOS

2025 Matinee Performance photos

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 Thank you for supporting FOT. The photos above are from the 27 countries portion of the MLK Celebration 2025.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. found for freedom with a dream that included everyone in all cultures!

Our Purpose

The Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in Montgomery serves a multifaceted purpose, aiming to commemorate and honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event is more than a remembrance; it's a celebration of values such as equality, justice, and unity that Dr. King passionately advocated. Through inspirational stories and educational initiatives, the celebration seeks to inspire and educate the community about the principles championed by Dr. King, fostering a collective commitment to positive social change. Additionally, the event provides a platform for bringing the community together, promoting a sense of unity akin to the "beloved community" envisioned by Dr. King. By recognizing and acknowledging individuals and organizations that actively contribute to community betterment, the celebration encourages social responsibility. Furthermore, cultural elements and performances contribute to promoting cultural awareness, showcasing the rich diversity within the community. Overall, the celebration serves as a dynamic force for fostering unity, inspiring positive action, and continuing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.


Our Celebration History

Inaugurated in 2014, Montgomery's Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, hosted by Friends of the Theatre and now in its 10th year, pays homage to the civil rights icon while recognizing local individuals embodying his values. The initiative was spearheaded by creative director Tommie Tonea Stewart, who, after establishing a comparable celebration in her native Mississippi, sought to continue and expand the tradition upon moving to Montgomery. Stewart's dedication underscores the event's enduring significance in fostering community and preserving the legacy of Dr. King.


Inaugurated in 2014, Montgomery's Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, hosted by Friends of the Theatre and now in its 10th year, pays homage to the civil rights icon while recognizing local individuals embodying his values. The initiative was spearheaded by creative director Tommie Tonea Stewart, who, after establishing a comparable celebration in her native Mississippi, sought to continue and expand the tradition upon moving to Montgomery. Stewart's dedication underscores the event's enduring significance in fostering community and preserving the legacy of Dr. King.

2025 MLK Celebration Special Guests

Ms. Marlena Smalls and the Hallelujah Choir

Dr. Marlena Smalls is a versatile and dynamic entertainer, educator, singer and actress. She began singing at early age and furthered her education at Central State University. A vocalist and lecturer, Marlena ventures into the early history of musical genres such as South Carolina Sea Island plantation melodies, as well as gospel, jazz, and blues. Her educational programs for schools include lectures, music, and Gullah storytelling. In 1990, Marlena formed the Hallelujah Singers to preserve the Gullah culture of the South Carolina Sea Islands. Marlena gained further acclaim when she was introduced as Bubba’s Momma in the Academy Award Winning movie “Forest Gump.” In addition to this, she has worked with Academy Award winners Tom Hanks, Demi Moore and Glen Close. Throughout her career, she has performed for many U.S. and international dignitaries which includes the Queen of England, former US Presidents William Jefferson Clinton and George W. Bush, and she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Music Degree, Ph.D. in 2012 from the University of South Carolina. 


The Hallelujah Singers were organized to preserve the melodies and storytelling unique to the South Carolina Sea Islands. This ensemble is a national and international art provider that offers cultural enrichment by presenting and celebrating the heritage of the Gullah Culture. A culture in which its language, traditions, music, and food has been historically linked to West African Heritage. Their performances are interwoven with music and narration through dramatization of unique, colorful, and eccentric rituals and ceremonies which played an intricate part in shaping the Gullah culture and its influence on American and international musical traditions. As Gullah Ambassadors, The Hallelujah Singers continue to travel throughout the United States. Their Fa Da Chillun Outreach Program teaches and entertains students in schools, auditoriums, and festivals. Notable performances included the U.S Congress, the South Carolina legislature, in Chicago’s Ravinia Festival, the Kennedy Center, the Spoleto Festival, and the World Leaders G-8 Summit. As part of their Bicentennial Celebration, the U.S. Library of Congress designated the Hallelujah Singers a South Carolina Legacy. Other awards include the South Carolina Folk Heritage Advocacy Award, the Rockford (Illinois) Mayor’s Award, the Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Award (South Carolina Governor’s Award for the Arts) and 1998 South Carolina Ambassador’s of the Year

Dorothy Moore

Dorothy Moore releases another fantastic album “Happy with the One I Got Now” - March 27, 2020. 

 

Dorothy Moore has a history of releasing great albums. In 2013 her album “Blues Heart” was nominated for a Blues Music Award for Soul Blues Album of the Year. She also received Blues Music Award nominations for Soul Blues Female Artist in 2013, 2014, 2016 & 2021.

 

Dorothy Moore has released over 18 albums. Dorothy is also a four time Grammy-nominee. Her Misty Blues album has been listened to over 5.7 million times on YouTube and over 1.1 million times on Spotify. She performs rhythm’n blues, soul, and gospel. Dorothy is Moore is a national and international performing legend.


Dorothy Moore is a four time grammy nominee, Dorothy Moore from Jackson, MS began her professional career in the 1960s as the lead singer of a trio called the Poppies. After one Poppies’ album with Epic label, she began singing background for Malaco Records and then became a major artist for Malaco.

 

Her chart topping songs for Malaco included “Misty Blue, Funny How Time Slips Away, I Believe You, For Old Time Sake and With Pen In Hand” with “ Misty Blue” climbing the US charts to #1 for R&B and to #1 single in the UK, going gold in Canada and selling millions worldwide.

 

Misty Blue continues to rate in the top 20 blues songs on the iTunes blues charts in the US and the UK. 

 

After Malaco, Dorothy started her own label Farish Street Records of Mississippi.

 

Her 2020 album “I’m Happy With The One I’ve Got Now” was produced by her and was released to rave reviews.

 

Some of Dorothy’s other recognitions include: being featured on a MS Blues Trail marker at the Alamo Theater, Jackson, awarded the first ever Monterey Lifetime Achievement Award from the Monterey Bay Blues Festival, receiving the 1996 MS Governors Excellence Award in the Arts, the 2001 Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame induction, and a 2009 music excellence Peavey Award presented by Hartley Peavey and MS Gov. Barbour.

Ms. Marlena Smalls and the Hallelujah Choir

Ms. Marlena Smalls and the Hallelujah Choir

Dr. Marlena Smalls is a versatile and dynamic entertainer, educator, singer and actress. She began singing at early age and furthered her education at Central State University. A vocalist and lecturer, Marlena ventures into the early history of musical genres such as South Carolina Sea Island plantation melodies, as well as gospel, jazz, and blues. Her educational programs for schools include lectures, music, and Gullah storytelling. In 1990, Marlena formed the Hallelujah Singers to preserve the Gullah culture of the South Carolina Sea Islands. Marlena gained further acclaim when she was introduced as Bubba’s Momma in the Academy Award Winning movie “Forest Gump.” In addition to this, she has worked with Academy Award winners Tom Hanks, Demi Moore and Glen Close. Throughout her career, she has performed for many U.S. and international dignitaries which includes the Queen of England, former US Presidents William Jefferson Clinton and George W. Bush, and she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Music Degree, Ph.D. in 2012 from the University of South Carolina. 


The Hallelujah Singers were organized to preserve the melodies and storytelling unique to the South Carolina Sea Islands. This ensemble is a national and international art provider that offers cultural enrichment by presenting and celebrating the heritage of the Gullah Culture. A culture in which its language, traditions, music, and food has been historically linked to West African Heritage. Their performances are interwoven with music and narration through dramatization of unique, colorful, and eccentric rituals and ceremonies which played an intricate part in shaping the Gullah culture and its influence on American and international musical traditions. As Gullah Ambassadors, The Hallelujah Singers continue to travel throughout the United States. Their Fa Da Chillun Outreach Program teaches and entertains students in schools, auditoriums, and festivals. Notable performances included the U.S Congress, the South Carolina legislature, in Chicago’s Ravinia Festival, the Kennedy Center, the Spoleto Festival, and the World Leaders G-8 Summit. As part of their Bicentennial Celebration, the U.S. Library of Congress designated the Hallelujah Singers a South Carolina Legacy. Other awards include the South Carolina Folk Heritage Advocacy Award, the Rockford (Illinois) Mayor’s Award, the Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Award (South Carolina Governor’s Award for the Arts) and 1998 South Carolina Ambassador’s of the Year.

Dr. Marlena Smalls is a versatile and dynamic entertainer, educator, singer and actress. She began singing at early age and furthered her education at Central State University. A vocalist and lecturer, Marlena ventures into the early history of musical genres such as South Carolina Sea Island plantation melodies, as well as gospel, jazz, and blues. Her educational programs for schools include lectures, music, and Gullah storytelling. In 1990, Marlena formed the Hallelujah Singers to preserve the Gullah culture of the South Carolina Sea Islands. Marlena gained further acclaim when she was introduced as Bubba’s Momma in the Academy Award Winning movie “Forest Gump.” In addition to this, she has worked with Academy Award winners Tom Hanks, Demi Moore and Glen Close. Throughout her career, she has performed for many U.S. and international dignitaries which includes the Queen of England, former US Presidents William Jefferson Clinton and George W. Bush, and she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Music Degree, Ph.D. in 2012 from the University of South Carolina. 


The Hallelujah Singers were organized to preserve the melodies and storytelling unique to the South Carolina Sea Islands. This ensemble is a national and international art provider that offers cultural enrichment by presenting and celebrating the heritage of the Gullah Culture. A culture in which its language, traditions, music, and food has been historically linked to West African Heritage. Their performances are interwoven with music and narration through dramatization of unique, colorful, and eccentric rituals and ceremonies which played an intricate part in shaping the Gullah culture and its influence on American and international musical traditions. As Gullah Ambassadors, The Hallelujah Singers continue to travel throughout the United States. Their Fa Da Chillun Outreach Program teaches and entertains students in schools, auditoriums, and festivals. Notable performances included the U.S Congress, the South Carolina legislature, in Chicago’s Ravinia Festival, the Kennedy Center, the Spoleto Festival, and the World Leaders G-8 Summit. As part of their Bicentennial Celebration, the U.S. Library of Congress designated the Hallelujah Singers a South Carolina Legacy. Other awards include the South Carolina Folk Heritage Advocacy Award, the Rockford (Illinois) Mayor’s Award, the Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Award (South Carolina Governor’s Award for the Arts) and 1998 South Carolina Ambassador’s of the Year

Dorothy Moore

Dorothy Moore releases another fantastic album “Happy with the One I Got Now” - March 27, 2020. 

 

Dorothy Moore has a history of releasing great albums. In 2013 her album “Blues Heart” was nominated for a Blues Music Award for Soul Blues Album of the Year. She also received Blues Music Award nominations for Soul Blues Female Artist in 2013, 2014, 2016 & 2021.

 

Dorothy Moore has released over 18 albums. Dorothy is also a four time Grammy-nominee. Her Misty Blues album has been listened to over 5.7 million times on YouTube and over 1.1 million times on Spotify. She performs rhythm’n blues, soul, and gospel. Dorothy is Moore is a national and international performing legend.


Dorothy Moore is a four time grammy nominee, Dorothy Moore from Jackson, MS began her professional career in the 1960s as the lead singer of a trio called the Poppies. After one Poppies’ album with Epic label, she began singing background for Malaco Records and then became a major artist for Malaco.

 

Her chart topping songs for Malaco included “Misty Blue, Funny How Time Slips Away, I Believe You, For Old Time Sake and With Pen In Hand” with “ Misty Blue” climbing the US charts to #1 for R&B and to #1 single in the UK, going gold in Canada and selling millions worldwide.

 

Misty Blue continues to rate in the top 20 blues songs on the iTunes blues charts in the US and the UK. 

 

After Malaco, Dorothy started her own label Farish Street Records of Mississippi.

 

Her 2020 album “I’m Happy With The One I’ve Got Now” was produced by her and was released to rave reviews.

 

Some of Dorothy’s other recognitions include: being featured on a MS Blues Trail marker at the Alamo Theater, Jackson, awarded the first ever Monterey Lifetime Achievement Award from the Monterey Bay Blues Festival, receiving the 1996 MS Governors Excellence Award in the Arts, the 2001 Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame induction, and a 2009 music excellence Peavey Award presented by Hartley Peavey and MS Gov. Barbour.

Dorothy Moore

Dorothy Moore releases another fantastic album “Happy with the One I Got Now” - March 27, 2020. 

 

Dorothy Moore has a history of releasing great albums. In 2013 her album “Blues Heart” was nominated for a Blues Music Award for Soul Blues Album of the Year. She also received Blues Music Award nominations for Soul Blues Female Artist in 2013, 2014, 2016 & 2021.

 

Dorothy Moore has released over 18 albums. Dorothy is also a four time Grammy-nominee. Her Misty Blues album has been listened to over 5.7 million times on YouTube and over 1.1 million times on Spotify. She performs rhythm’n blues, soul, and gospel. Dorothy is Moore is a national and international performing legend.


Dorothy Moore is a four time grammy nominee, Dorothy Moore from Jackson, MS began her professional career in the 1960s as the lead singer of a trio called the Poppies. After one Poppies’ album with Epic label, she began singing background for Malaco Records and then became a major artist for Malaco.

 

Her chart topping songs for Malaco included “Misty Blue, Funny How Time Slips Away, I Believe You, For Old Time Sake and With Pen In Hand” with “ Misty Blue” climbing the US charts to #1 for R&B and to #1 single in the UK, going gold in Canada and selling millions worldwide.

 

Misty Blue continues to rate in the top 20 blues songs on the iTunes blues charts in the US and the UK. 

 

After Malaco, Dorothy started her own label Farish Street Records of Mississippi.

 

Her 2020 album “I’m Happy With The One I’ve Got Now” was produced by her and was released to rave reviews.

 

Some of Dorothy’s other recognitions include: being featured on a MS Blues Trail marker at the Alamo Theater, Jackson, awarded the first ever Monterey Lifetime Achievement Award from the Monterey Bay Blues Festival, receiving the 1996 MS Governors Excellence Award in the Arts, the 2001 Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame induction, and a 2009 music excellence Peavey Award presented by Hartley Peavey and MS Gov. Barbour.

Sponsor Benefits

Sponsor Benefits

Sponsoring Montgomery's Martin Luther King Jr. Visibility and Exposure Celebration can offer several benefits for businesses and individuals looking to support this meaningful event:

Community Engagement

  • Sponsors become integral contributors to a community-focused event, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and engagement

Positive Brand Image

  • Associating with a celebration that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. can enhance a sponsor's brand image, showcasing values of diversity, equality, and justice

Visibility and Exposure

  • Sponsors receive acknowledgment and visibility during the event, whether through signage, mentions in promotional materials, or other forms of recognition, providing exposure to a diverse audience.

Networking Opportunities

  • Sponsorship often comes with access to exclusive events or networking opportunities, allowing sponsors to connect with other businesses, community leaders, and event attendees

Sponsor Benefits

Sponsoring Montgomery's Martin Luther King Jr. Visibility and Exposure Celebration can offer several benefits for businesses and individuals looking to support this meaningful event:

Community Engagement

  • Sponsors become integral contributors to a community-focused event, demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility and engagement

Positive Brand Image

  • Associating with a celebration that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. can enhance a sponsor's brand image, showcasing values of diversity, equality, and justice

Visibility and Exposure

  • Sponsors receive acknowledgment and visibility during the event, whether through signage, mentions in promotional materials, or other forms of recognition, providing exposure to a diverse audience.

Networking Opportunities

  • Sponsorship often comes with access to exclusive events or networking opportunities, allowing sponsors to connect with other businesses, community leaders, and event attendees

Our Supporters

Thank you to all our Sponsors for making the 11th Annual Martin Luther King Jr Celebration possible. We Appreciate their support of Our Community.

Thank you to all our Sponsors for making the 7th Annual Martin Luther King Jr Celebration possible. We Appreciate their support of Our Community.


Our Sponsors

  • AKD Screenprinting and Design
  • Alabama Power Company
  • Alabama Vascular Services - AVS 
  • Attorney Daniel Harris, Jr. - Attorney at Law, LLC 
  • Attorney Theron Stokes - The Alabama Education Association
  • Atty LaBarron Boone
  • Ashland Entertainment, LLC
  • Beulah Baptist Church
  • Beauty & Beyond
  • Bishop Parker Furniture
  • Beasley Allen Law Firm
  • Caffco Outlet
  • Chancellor of Troy University
  • Church's Chicken
  • Coca Cola
  • Cohen Electronics and Appliances, Inc.
  • Commissioner Isaiah Sankey - District 4
  • Dixie Electric 
  • Dr. Belfondia Pou - Pou Family Medicine, LLC
  • Dr. Jack Hawkins 
  • Dr. Keith S. Hughes
  • Dr. Mary Hill Lowe - Hill & Lowe Educational Services, Inc.
  • Dr. Melvin Alonza Lowe, III & Dr. Marvin Alexander Lowe - Hill & Lowe Educational Services, Inc. 
  • Dr. Oseamuede Osemwota - St. Louis Dermatology Center
  • Dr. Parm E. Scott
  • Dr. Quinton T. Ross - President of Alabama State University
  • Dr. Ralph Redd - AVS Alabama Vascular Specialists
  • Dr. Sharon Ross - Ross-Clayton Funeral Home
  • Former Mayor Todd Strange
  • Grand District Deputy # 8 - R.H. Rice Lodge No 345 (Mr. Donald R. Parks
  • GlamRus Gift Boutique
  • ITEC - Institute for Total Eye Care, P.C.
  • Judge Delores Boyd
  • Judge Johnny Hardwick
  • K10 Graphics
  • Lake Point Vinyard
  • Majour Elleament Salon
  • Malden Brothers Barber
  • Mathison Interiors
  • Mr. Anthony Brock
  • Mr. Frederick Brock
  • Mr. Doug and Millie s/b Mollie Isaacson - Extra Space Storage
  • Mr. Daniel and Mrs. Rita Lewis - Lake Point Vineyard & Winery
  • Mr. Eddie McKinney
  • Mr. Mark Bunting - WSFA Television
  • Mr. Randy and Mrs. Chrystal-Bates Matusak
  • Mr. Tracy McCall & Mrs. Latricia Arnold-McCall, EdS - TopTemp Heating and Cooling 
  • Mrs. Martha Hawkins - Martha's Place Restaurant and Catering
  • Mrs. Sue Tang Woods - Tang's Alterations 
  • Mrs. Jacquelyn Cummings & Mr. James T. Cummings - E.G. Cummings Funeral Home, Inc.
  • Ms. Doris Crenshaw
  • Ms. Gwendolyn Robinson - Pure Visions
  • Pastor Ken Austin - Mercy House
  • Representative Anthony Daniels
  • SAMs - Walmart
  • Seraaj Fmaily s/b Family Homes, Inc. 
  • The Grandma Home House Retreat
  • Tiffanie Franklin
  • Tours of Montgomery, Valerie Smedley 
  • Valiant Cross Academy

" Friends of the Theatre are dedicated individuals who help bring Theatre and the creative arts to life in the Montgomery Area."

MLK Celebration Community Choir 2025 Program Participants

  • Available Worship
  • Bethany Seventh Day Adventist
  • Church of the Ascension
  • Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter
  • First Congregational Christian Church
  • First Baptist Greater Washington Park (GWP)
  • Grace Pike Road
  • Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church
  • Holt Street Baptist
  • Holy Spirit Catholic Church
  • Hutchinson Missionary Baptist
  • Lily Baptist Church
  • Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church
  • Maxwell AFB - All Faith Chapel
  • Mercy Baptist
  • MTCFC - Birmingham
  • Oak Hill Church
  • Resurrection Catholic Church
  • St. James Missionary Baptist #2
  • St. Paul AME Church
  • Thelma Baptist Church
  • True Divine Baptist
  • United Methodist
  • Vaughn Park Church of Christ


Download 2025 MLK Annual Celebration Media Release form PDF here:  FOT PDF Documents.pdf

Download MLK 2025 Celebration Donation form PDF here:  FOT PDF Documents.pdf

Download MLK 2025 Celebration Student Release form PDF here: Student Consent Form.pdf

Thank You


We extend our sincere gratitude for taking the time to review our sponsorship proposal. Your interest in supporting our cause is truly appreciated. We believe that together, we can create a positive impact and make our upcoming event a success.


Should you have any questions or if there's additional information you require, please feel free to reach out to us via phone at: T. Stewart 334-717-9679 or E. Patterson 334-467-1291.


We value your consideration and look forward to the possibility of working together. Thank you once again for your time and consideration.


ANNUAL MLK COMMUNITY CELEBRATION 2024 Our Sponsors gracious blessing to this cause can be mailed by December 20, 2023 to: Friends of the Theatre, P.O. Box 6195,Montgomery, Al 36106 Or, via CASH APP to: $FOTMGM2021 Friday January 19th 2024 at 10:00am and 7:00pm


The 7:00 pm celebration will be covered by WSFA-TV Live! The Davis Theatre, 251 Montgomery St. Montgomery, AL 36104

Thank You


We extend our sincere gratitude for taking the time to review our sponsorship proposal. Your interest in supporting our cause is truly appreciated. We believe that together, we can create a positive impact and make our upcoming event a success.


Should you have any questions or if there's additional information you require, please feel free to reach out to us via phone at: T. Stewart 334-717-9679 or E. Patterson 334-467-1291.


We value your consideration and look forward to the possibility of working together. Thank you once again for your time and consideration.