Aurora’s 40th Annual MLK Ceremony, Donna J. Williams Awards of Service, Mayor’s Award of Excellence

The Donna J. Williams Awards of Service were presented to individuals who served the community in different ways at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 40th Annual Ceremony, Monday, Jan. 20 at East Aurora High School. The Award recipients, holding their awards, from left: Jesse White, a community icon; Brian Moreno, a community hero; Saily Joshi, a community advocate; Dee Hakala, a community advocate; and Jaylen Lockhart, a community hero. Mayor of Aurora, Richard Irvin, second from left, presented the awards. Jason Crane/The Voice

Jesse White, left, receives the Mayor’s Award of Excellence from Aurora mayor Richard Irvin at Aurora’s 40th Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ceremony at East Aurora High School Monday, Jan. 20, MLK Day. Jason Crane/The Voice

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson was the keynote speaker at Aurora’s 40th Annual MLK Ceremony Monday, Jan. 20, at East Aurora High School. Dr. Dyson spoke about Dr. King and has penned two books about King’s life and legacy. Jason Crane/The Voice

Aurora’s Dream Contemporary Dance performs at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 40th Annual Ceremony, Monday, Jan. 20 at East Aurora High School. Jason Crane/The Voice