Join us January 16, 2025 at the SpringHill Suites for the 8th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Awards Celebration.
Location: 12301 Redwater Creek Rd, Chester, VA 23831
Time: Doors open 5:30 p.m.
Dinner starts at 6:00 p.m.
Program runs 6:30 - 8:15 p.m.
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Awards Celebration is hosted annually by the Chester Family YMCA
Supported by
Pastor Don Coleman - Keynote Speaker
Pastor Don Coleman has overcome significant obstacles, including growing up in foster care, to become a beacon of hope and a role model for others, particularly young people facing adversity. He has been married to Florence for over 40 years and is the proud father of two daughters, Shekinah and Selah (and son-in-law Andrew), as well as a grandfather to Elijah. Currently, Pastor Don serves as the founding and co-lead pastor of East End Fellowship in Richmond, where he is deeply committed to serving the community. His early ministry was with Charity Mission International Church. Pastor Don has also served as the 7th District School Board Representative for Richmond Public Schools from 2009 to 2017, including a term as Chairman. He is active on many boards, including RCLI, Rise Richmond, and The Boys Choir of Richmond, and has a passion for fostering prayer, unity within the body of Christ, and advancing God's Kingdom on earth. Pastor Don is transitioning to a spiritual fathering role, focusing on discipling spiritual sons and daughters, especially men. His ministry is marked by fervent prayer, prophetic preaching, and a deep commitment to spiritual formation. His life’s mission is "Serving others into their greatness," with the guiding motto: "DO THE BIBLE!"
Jasmine Turner Perry – Mistress of Ceremonies
Jasmine Turner is an Emmy Award-winning anchor and reporter for 12 On Your Side, having joined the team in October 2016. A native of Henrico County, Jasmine attended The Richmond Montessori School and The Collegiate School before earning a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Elon University. Prior to returning to Richmond, she worked as a multimedia journalist and weekend anchor for WECT News in Wilmington, North Carolina. Jasmine has covered numerous high-profile events in Central Virginia, including the chaos in Charlottesville in 2017 and the deadly tornadoes caused by Hurricane Florence in 2018. In 2021, she joined the On Your Side Investigators team, where she helps solve critical community issues such as housing, healthcare, and consumer problems. She also co-hosts 12 On Your Side's "Managing Your Mental Health" segment, providing important resources for the community. Living by the mantra, "If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living will not be in vain," Jasmine is deeply committed to service. Outside of work, she serves on several volunteer boards, hosts events, and speaks to students. A certified yoga teacher, she is passionate about helping others lead healthier lives. Jasmine is thrilled to be back in her hometown, working for the station she grew up watching. She is grateful for her husband Marcelus, bonus daughter Aubrey, and their rescue dog Libbie.
Janiyah Pollard –Mistress of Ceremonies
Janiyah Pollard is currently a junior attending Clover Hill High School. She has been involved with YMCA programming (Leaders' Club) for 7 years, serving this year as the Club President for the Manchester Family YMCA. Janiyah enjoys public speaking; she passionately leads Manchester’s teens club. Janiyah takes any opportunity she gets to serve wholeheartedly and approaches each opportunity with her best ability.
Corporal James M. Evans – Social Responsibility Award
Corporal James Evans, Community Engagement Officer in Chesterfield County, has devoted over 21 years to serving and protecting the residents of Chesterfield, consistently going above and beyond the call of duty to support the community. He began his career as a patrol officer in 2004 and spent 11 years on the Special Enforcement Team, where he gained recognition for his outstanding dedication to community service. In 2013, he was named Chesterfield County’s Officer of the Year, earned multiple Chief's Commendation Awards for his crime prevention efforts, and was recognized with a Lifesaving Award for his quick thinking and heroism. Most recently, he received an Achievement Award for his impactful work in the Colonial Ridge Apartments. Beyond his law enforcement role, Corporal Evans is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and serves as a peer supporter to fellow officers. He is deeply involved in community outreach, volunteering at Feed More food distributions, supporting food pantries, mentoring youth through the Boys to Men program, and building meaningful relationships with Chesterfield residents. Through these efforts, Corporal Evans helps foster trust and collaboration between the community and law enforcement, playing a pivotal role in creating a safer, more compassionate environment for all.
The Honorable James Holland Chesterfield County Supervisor, Dale District – Leadership Award
Supervisor Holland has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his career and community involvement. Since 1987, he has been an active resident of Chesterfield County, where he has served in numerous influential roles. His leadership began with his service as a paratrooper and military policeman in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War's de-escalation. A Certified Public Accountant, he leads Holland & Company, CPA, and has worked at Philip Morris USA and as an accounting professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. Mr. Holland’s leadership extends to state-level service, including positions on the Virginia Board of Accountancy and the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. He was Chairman of the Virginia Public School Authority and currently serves as treasurer of the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority, guiding critical public health initiatives. In the community, Mr. Holland has held leadership roles with the Chesterfield County Drug and Alcohol Abuse Task Force, the Chesterfield County Council of PTAs, and Jacobs Athletic Association. He also serves as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church Centralia. Together with his wife, Judith, a retired teacher, they are proud parents of two college-educated children who graduated from Chesterfield County Public Schools.
Robert A. Winn M.D. – Healthy Living Award
Dr. Robert A. Winn, M.D., directs the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, an NCI-designated facility focused on advanced cancer care, research, and community engagement. A physician-scientist, his research explores novel models for studying lung cancer, particularly the role of environmental and social factors. With over 100 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Winn leads major grants, including initiatives addressing cancer disparities and health equity. He co-founded the Facts & Faith Fridays series, building trust in healthcare within the African American community, with notable speakers like Dr. Jill Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci. Dr. Winn is also the namesake of the $114 million Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Award Program, aimed at increasing diversity in clinical research. A leader in health equity, Dr. Winn is the first African American president of the Association of American Cancer Institutes and serves as chair of the National Cancer Policy Forum. He holds multiple leadership roles in the American Cancer Society and AACR. His work has earned recognition from organizations like the National Cancer Institute and ASCO. Dr. Winn earned a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame and an M.D. from the University of Michigan, with specialized training in internal medicine and pulmonary/critical care.
Mrs.Peggy Davis - In Memoriam – Youth Development Award
Peggy Davis, a dedicated leader and mentor, earned her Master of Education from Tarleton State University. She began her coaching career as Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Howard Payne University, her alma mater. Her coaching legacy flourished at Angelo State University, where she built a championship program focused on nurturing the potential of young athletes on and off the court. In 1997, Peggy transitioned to Virginia State University (VSU) as Head Women’s Basketball Coach, where she led her team to a CIAA title and a notable first-round victory in the NCAA Division II tournament. She later became VSU's Athletic Director, making history as the second female to hold the position. In this role, Peggy prioritized the academic, athletic, and personal growth of her student-athletes, always emphasizing the importance of achieving success in both sports and the classroom. Her pride came from witnessing her athletes and interns graduate and go on to thrive in their careers, developing into well-rounded individuals. Peggy’s leadership was marked by her commitment to diversity and inclusion, earning her the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence in 2020 and the MOAA Distinguished Service Award in 2021. Under her guidance, VSU achieved 20 NCAA tournament appearances and 26 CIAA Championship titles. Peggy’s vibrant personality, unwavering integrity, and strong faith helped her navigate challenges and inspired those around her to pursue excellence. She is remembered for her selflessness and dedication, impacting her family, colleagues, and countless student-athletes. Survived by her husband Thomas, daughters Courtney and Taylor, Mother Delois Baker, sister Rose Clemons, and many friends, Peggy's legacy lives on in the VSU community. She was not just a coach or administrator, but a mentor, leader, and beacon of hope to all who knew her.
