The National Action Network’s (NAN) highly anticipated 34th annual Keepers of the Dream Gala, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, kicked off last week with celebrities and elected officials on the red carpet.
Founded in 1991 by activist Rev. Al Sharpton, NAN has been on the frontlines of the battle for civil rights, democracy, and equality for decades. The gala brings people together from all over the country to reflect on King’s legacy, as well as present awards to individuals that have upheld his dream through years of tireless commitment. The theme this year was “Light in Darkness.”
“We are honoring some of the people that have changed this country for the better. We have this convention and this dinner every year in April, because on April 4, 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King was killed in Memphis, Tennessee,” said Sharpton at the podium. “It has been the commitment of the National Action Network to always, in the month he was killed, let them know they killed the dreamer, but they can’t kill the dream.”
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Those in attendance included Drum Major Institute Chairperson of the Board Martin Luther King III, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church Senior Pastor Jamal Bryant, Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, Councilmember Yusef Salaam, radio host Charlamagne tha God, and singer Patti LaBelle.
NAN’s Keepers of the Dream Gala, held on Wednesday, April 2 at Sheraton in Manhattan. Credit: (PHOTO CREDIT: Ariama C. Long) 
NAN President & Founder Rev. Al Sharpton (left) and New York State Governor Kathy Hochul at their table at Keepers of the Dream Gala on Wednesday, April 2. Credit: (PHOTO CREDIT: Ariama C. Long) 
Members of Exonerated Five, Councilmember Yusef Salaam (seated center), and activist Korey Wise, share a laugh at Keepers of the Dream Gala on Wednesday, April 2. Credit: (PHOTO CREDIT: Ariama C. Long) 
Table layout with Martin Luther King Jr. booklet at the Keepers of the Dream Gala on Wednesday, April 2. Credit: (PHOTO CREDIT: Ariama C. Long)
Hochul presented her own proclamation to NAN Chairperson of the Board Rev. Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson for 50 years of service. “I’m so proud to be here this evening to present this to an individual whose counsel and advice I have come to rely on for many, many years, but onward and upward to another 50 more (for) Dr. Richardson,” Hochul said.
This year’s honorees were LaBelle; 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East President George Gresham; TV producer for Artists First E. Brian Dobbins; former TV host Chris Matthews; NAN Sacramento Chapter President Rev. Dad. Tecoy Porter; and NAN Special Liaison to the President Rev. Stephan Marshall.
“I grew up in segregation,” said Gresham in his acceptance speech. “I say that because I know what it feels like to be treated as a second-class citizen. I know what it feels like to be oppressed. I know what it feels like when the world wants to limit your growth because of the color of your skin … Reverend Al Sharpton does what he (was) absolutely born to do. That is to stand up for justice. I am pleased and honored to have this award, not because of the great things I have done but because I should have done those things. I should have been the person that I am. I really don’t deserve this award for doing the right thing.”
The evening’s event was hosted by actor and comedian Anthony Anderson.
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