The African American Community Service Agency (AACSA) is excited about the upcoming 45th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Luncheon program on Monday, January 20, 2025 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm.
Rev. Shavon Arline-Bradley is the president and chief executive officer for the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and brings 21 years of experience in healthcare, diversity, equity, & inclusion (DEII), government affairs, and executive leadership. She is also the founding principal and CEO of R.E.A.C.H. Beyond Solutions, a public health, advocacy, and executive leadership firm promoting DEI, political and organizational strategy, risk management, government affairs, and technical assistance.
Prior to starting R.E.A.C.H., she served as senior advisor and director of external engagement during the Obama Administration in the Department of Health & Human Services for the 19th U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Vice Admiral Vivek H. Murthy. Before her tenure in the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) headquarters, Rev. Arline-Bradley served as the executive vice president of strategic planning & partnerships, as well as former chief of staff.
She is a community advocate serving in leadership capacity in the following organizations: Delta for Women for Action, NAACP Board of Directors Health Committee, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., National Social Action Commission, and Oprah Winfrey Network initiative “OWN Your Health.” In addition, she is an active member of American Public Health Association, Links, Inc., and Jack & Jill of America, Inc., just to name a few.
A southern New Jersey native, she earned her undergraduate degree in exercise science and master’s in public health from Tulane University in New Orleans, La. She also graduated from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University with a Master of Divinity, where she too became an ordained minister. Rev. Arline-Bradley completed an Executive Certificate of Business Management from Howard University and an Executive Certificate in Diversity & Inclusion from Cornell University.
Dignitaries as President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, former President Barack Obama, and Bishop T.D. Jakes, to name a few, Rev. Arline-Bradley was the keynote speaker for 2024 Martin Luther King, Jr. Beloved Community Commemorative Service, which is an annual event in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, organized by the King Center in Atlanta, Ga. She was the youngest person to be the keynoter in the history of the world-renowned event.
Rev. Arline-Bradley is a lover of all-things sports, music, and an avid resort traveler. Most important to her are her faith and family, as she enjoys being a wife to Andrew Bradley and mother of two children.
Marcus Washington anchors “Today In The Bay” 4:30a -7a and “NBC Bay Area News at 11” alongside Laura Garcia.
Before joining NBC Bay Area, Marcus served as anchor and reporter at WJZ (CBS) in Baltimore, Maryland. While working in “Charm City,” he covered a broad range of stories, but his life and approach to reporting were most deeply impacted by Freddie Gray’s death and its aftermath. In the midst of Gray's funeral, explosive unrest in the city, the political fallout, and community rebuilding, Marcus was there reporting live from the front lines and continued the months following. David Zurawik with the Baltimore Sun writes, "Marcus Washington again did solid and authoritative reporting for WJZ from Penn and North avenues, the epicenter of protests following the funeral of Gray last year." His careful and caring coverage of the unrest earned him an Emmy nomination.
Dreams of becoming “one of the people who tells the news” came early for Marcus. He still remembers sitting in his living room at the age of 5 and telling his mom, “I want to do that,” referring to the work of veteran Memphis journalist Joe Birch. Marcus' career in media began while he was a student at the University of Memphis, after inquiring about reading news for Memphis’ WUMR-FM morning show. On his third day of orientation, Marcus received an invitation from the station manager to fill-in to host Thursday's 4p-7p slot. After just 5 minutes on-air, the station manager was so impressed with Marcus’ voice and personality that he walked into the DJ booth and told Marcus, "from now on, this is your slot." Beginning in that moment, Marcus became one of the hosts of Memphis' only jazz station.
He went on to work as an associate producer in Memphis, Tennessee; and as a reporter in Nashville, Tennessee; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Charlottesville, Virginia, all before his time in Baltimore.
Marcus has been acknowledged by outlets like the Baltimore Sun and the Washington Post for his reporting. He is also flattered (and amused!) to be named one of “Nashville's 25 Most Beautiful People” (per Lifestyles Magazine in 2011) and number fourteen among “The 50 Hottest Anchors in the World” (according to Buzzfeed.com in 2017).
Marcus is also member of The National Association of Black Journalists, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, and the Church of Christ.
He is excited to explore the Bay Area and all the great treasures—especially the food, music, and community—it has to offer. So, don’t hesitate to say hello if you see Marcus out—and follow him on social media for news updates and chronicles of his adventures.
Prentice Powell is highly regarded and acclaimed within the spoken word poetry community.With humility uncommon to those of like talent, Prentice Powell approaches every stage from London to South Africa, sharing his gift while allowing his art to speak for itself. This 2024 Grammy Nominated Artist is known for his raw and passionate delivery, skillful wordplay, and his ability to tackle complex social issues with honesty and depth.
His performances often leave a lasting impact on audiences, evoking strong emotions and fostering meaningful dialogue. Powell's talent and authenticity have earned him recognition and respect as a talented writer, poet and performer. Prentice is an educator, family man, writer and a highly accomplished spoken word artist. He has been recognized as a National Slam Finalist & Grand Slam Champion. Powell has shared the stage with Stevie Wonder,The Roots, Dr. Cornell West, Anthony Hamilton, Faith Evans, and along with his fellow Fiveology members, opened for Jill Scott during her 2013 Summer Tour.
He also serves as a TV & Advertisement copywriter. He has written and appeared in a commercial campaigns for the 2020 Emmys ,luxury car brand Lexus and McDonalds Prentice landed his first role in the Hollywood feature film "She Ball" featuring Nick Cannon & Chris Brown. Also collaborating with Stevie Wonder in the movie as well. He has become a reoccurring performance artist at the Annual Essence Fest Held In New Orleans. Prentice is the only poet to have appeared on all six seasons of Lexus Verses & Flow with eleven episodes to his credit and became the only artist to perform on the Arsenio Hall Show, a record three times.
Prentice Powell's spoken and written talent is notable, considering that both adequately communicate the depth of his consciousness in rhyme. He embodies the mentality of hardwork through consistency, fellowship and good character, and the desire to uplift humanity, all in the midst of continuing to define himself.
Lena Byrd Miles, the darling of the Oakland Bay Area has been singing since the ripe old age of 4. Coming from a musical family, she launched her singing career at her Grandfather's Church where she faithfully lent her gift until other engagements came calling.
After inking a deal with Grammy® Award Producer Warryn Campbell Lena has released several singles such as, "This is the Day, Watch Me and recently Walk on Water;" and we now anticipate the release of her first project this summer.
This Stellar Award Winners gift has opened many doors allowing her to mount many prestiges stages such as the 2022 Oscars, the Trumpet Awards and more. She has also shared the stage with such luminaries as Kanye West, Lalah Hathaway, Mary Mary, Tye Tribbett, Deitrick Haddon, Dorinda, John P Kee, and more.
More than an artist, Lena is a wife, daughter, sister, and friend with a unique ability to connect with people. Her innate comedic prowess and infectious laugh draws you in, but her compassion for mankind will cause you to appreciate her heart.
Eli Phifer was born in San Jose, CA on Nov 16, 2009 to the proud parents of David and Alethea Phifer. Eli accepted Christ at an early age. Eli became heavily involved in the youth ministry speaking and singing at age 3. Eli delivered his first sermon at the young age of 9. Since then, he continues to minister in the community by volunteering to pray and feed the homeless, as well as mentoring the youth. He has ministered sermonette’s and opening prayers for Gospel recording artist Jekalyn Carr, Jabari Johnson & Pastor Vincent Bohanan. Eli is currently a freshman at Sierra High school. He is a running back on the school football team. He is also a Youth Minister and active member of Greater Christ Temple Apostolic church in Stockton CA, under the leadership of Bishop Troy Dockery Sr.
Victoria Thúy Vi McDowell is a 21 year old artist that can sing in 8 languages, play the piano, and play the violin. She is currently a fourth-year Vocal Performance Music Major at San Jose State University. She has a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and was named the “The Voice of the Capitol of Silicon Valley” by the San Jose City Council. In 2016, she traveled to Naples, Italy to perform at Piazza del Plebiscito plaza for Pasquale Esposito’s PBS special. In 2018, she won first place in the South Bay Teen Idol competition. In 2019, she was crowned as Miss Teen Vietnam USA. She released two Vietnamese albums in 2014, “Tôi Mơ” and “Em Đến Chùa”, and released her third album, “Hoa Tím Người Xưa”, in 2021, now accumulating over 21 million streams in total over many platforms. She has performed the National Anthem for many sports teams including the San Jose Earthquakes, San Jose Sharks, San Francisco Giants, and San Francisco 49ers.
Kuumba LLC is a small business that was founded by Tiye Garrett in 2022 in the Bay Area that focuses on West African dance & rhythms. Kuumba is the sixth principle of Kwanzaa that means "creativity" in Swahili (African language). It has been defined as meaning: "To always do as much as we can, in the way we can, to leave our community more beautiful than when we inherited it." Our mission is to spread joy through African Dancing & drumming by providing spaces to allow creativity to thrive through various art forms.Throughout the year we provide dance classes, drum circles & performances for events within schools K-12, colleges, businesses, & organizations In the Bay Area and San Joaquin Valley.
Amber Marie Carroll, 16 years, is a vocalist from Oakland Ca. Amber received her education at Oakland School for The Arts grades 6-9 with an emphasis in Vocal Music. Currently, Amber, 11th grade, attends Bishop O’Dowd High School, Oakland Ca, and is the lead vocalist for the Advanced Jazz Ensemble. Although Amber’s primary instrument is her voice, she is trained in piano and guitar. Post high school, Amber hopes to attend a college to further her studies in Music and Business Administration.
Become a sponsor for the upcoming MLK Luncheon! Choose from unique sponsorship opportunities to share your message, boost brand visibility, or foster engagement. An AACSA representative can provide full details, options, and pricing for high-visibility Premier Opportunities.
Apply To Be a SponsorAs a virtual vendor, not only will you be able to distribute your information at the upcoming MLK Luncheon, we also will provide you additional exposure via our web site. A representative from the MLK Luncheon Vendor Selection Committee, can provide you with full details on the package and information needed to ensure your business is promoted on our website before, during and after the event.
Apply to be a VendorBe a part of the MLK Luncheon experience by reserving your ad space in this year’s Souvenir Journal! Highlight your organization or share a message of support in a publication featuring our awardees, special guests, vendors, and sponsors. Proceeds from the Souvenir Journal benefit the African American Community Service Agency’s vital programs.
