Past Gala Honorees

Each year at the Annual Gala, the Emma L. Wilson King Foundation honors those who have exemplified standards of excellence through their service and commitment to the community.

Below are honoree videos for each year.

2025 Honorees

The 2025 Honorees were Former Judge Laninya A. Cason, Coach Barry Malloyd, Coach Darren Sunkett.

2024 Honorees

The 2024 Honorees were Illinois State Senator Christopher Belt and Mr. Abraham Bolden.

[youtube_gallery videos="YCvGfpEjAcA,aNCnJCn4hU0"]

* COVID Pause – No Gala 2020 – 2023 ***

2019 Honorees

The 2019 Honorees were Dr. Wadell Brooks, Sr. and Mr. Frank C. Smith.

[youtube_gallery videos="nlbFG7SAffE,pO3unMl9nEY"]

2018 Honorees

The 2018 Honorees were Mr. Calvin Dye, Sr., Mrs. Princetta Farries and Officer Funeral Home.

[youtube_gallery videos="WkPIJQK90HM,jAO0bU8cUDA,8M--v0Beayc"]

2017 Honorees

The 2017 Honorees were Mr. Hubert Hoosman, Lieutenant Commander Herbert Jones, and Mrs. Peggy L. LeCompte.

[youtube_gallery videos="LZkoCO8EQts,IM8wsXOEfZo,iIvef0M9lZU"]

2016 Honorees

The 2016 Honorees were Dr. Stephanie W. Carpenter, Dr. William E. Mason, Sr., and Dr. Eugene B. Redmond.

[youtube_gallery videos="OUdWKyOo1x0, Sr9fFpo8oRQ,qQ6QzPx33BE"]

2015 Honorees

The 2015 Honorees were Dr. Gordon D. Bush, Mrs. Edna C. Farmer, and Dr. Lillian A. Parks.

[youtube_gallery videos="Rxm7edSLzy4,sZW0e1YnWJo,dp68Vpg_M6c"]

2014 Honorees

The 2014 Honorees were Mrs. Eldora L. Atkins and Mr. Richard Mark.

2013 Honorees

he 2013 Honorees were Mayor James E. Williams, Sr., Mrs. Lillian Croom Williams, and Judge Milton Wharton.