WE'RE ELIMINATING RACISM
with our annual MLK Tribute
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With a series of impactful events and activities planned, this year's tribute will be a powerful celebration of Dr. King's legacy and a call to action for continued progress toward justice. From thought-provoking discussions with prominent speakers to community workshops, performances, and artistic displays, the tribute will dive deep into the theme "Until Justice Just Is." Be sure to check out the event dates below, and mark your calendars—this is an experience you won't want to miss!
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If you own or lead an organization, please contact John to sponsor the MLK Celebration! This makes a huge difference in our fight to eliminate racism. If you're an individual, please consider supporting the MLK Celebration as an MLK Patron. We welcome volunteers to serve on our MLK Celebration committees! Let us know if you're interested here. |
2025 keynote speakers
Our annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, first held in 1972, was one of the first national tributes of its kind. It is the largest MLK celebration in South Carolina and one of Charleston's longest running events; it pre-dates major events including Spoleto.
TREVOR SAUNDERS
A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Trevor was born and raised in the local community on Johns Island. He graduated from St. John’s High School before earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Tuskegee University and later completing his MBA at the University of North Alabama.
Currently serving as the Vice President and General Manager of David J. Joseph, a Nucor Company, Trevor has built a distinguished career at Nucor since joining the company in 2009. His journey began as an Electrical Engineer at Nucor Steel Berkeley in Berkeley County, South Carolina, followed by various leadership roles across multiple Nucor businesses.
Beyond his professional achievements, Trevor is deeply committed to his community. As a current member of Kappa Alpha Psi, active with the Cincinnati Alumni chapter, he has spent years mentoring underprivileged youth and college students in areas such as professional development, financial literacy, and career planning. Additionally, Trevor serves on the Board of Tuskegee University’s business school.
Trevor also treasures family time with his wife, Gea, and their three children: Gianni, Trevor Jr., and Trenton.
A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Trevor was born and raised in the local community on Johns Island. He graduated from St. John’s High School before earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Tuskegee University and later completing his MBA at the University of North Alabama.
Currently serving as the Vice President and General Manager of David J. Joseph, a Nucor Company, Trevor has built a distinguished career at Nucor since joining the company in 2009. His journey began as an Electrical Engineer at Nucor Steel Berkeley in Berkeley County, South Carolina, followed by various leadership roles across multiple Nucor businesses.
Beyond his professional achievements, Trevor is deeply committed to his community. As a current member of Kappa Alpha Psi, active with the Cincinnati Alumni chapter, he has spent years mentoring underprivileged youth and college students in areas such as professional development, financial literacy, and career planning. Additionally, Trevor serves on the Board of Tuskegee University’s business school.
Trevor also treasures family time with his wife, Gea, and their three children: Gianni, Trevor Jr., and Trenton.
ADAM SHOEMAKER
Serving as the Rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston since 2017, Adam Shoemaker has recently served as Co-President of the Charleston Area Justice Ministry, President of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, and Co-Chair of the Diocese of South Carolina’s Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission. He has also been a member of the City of Charleston’s Human Affairs and Racial Conciliation Commission and has served as a Racial Healing Circle Facilitator for the Social Justice Racial Equity Collaborative of the Sophia Institute.
Dr. Shoemaker received a bachelor’s degree from Boston University, a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School, a Diploma in Anglican Studies from the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Duke Divinity School.
He formerly served as Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter in Burlington, NC and as the Assistant Rector at Christ Church in Andover, MA. He has also served as a missionary to Episcopal/Anglican Diocese of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and speaks conversational Portuguese.
Rev. Shoemaker is Egyptian American, with siblings in Cairo, and is married to the Rev. Courtney Davis-Shoemaker, Priest-in-Charge of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in West Ashley and the together they have three children, Malcolm, Aubrey, and Hannah. Adam’s guiding passage of scripture is Jeremiah 29:7: “Seek the welfare of the city where you find yourself, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” His passion is in helping St. Stephen’s live into its mission as “a house of prayer for all people” both in its welcome and hospitality for all and in its social justice commitments outside the parish walls.
Serving as the Rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston since 2017, Adam Shoemaker has recently served as Co-President of the Charleston Area Justice Ministry, President of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, and Co-Chair of the Diocese of South Carolina’s Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission. He has also been a member of the City of Charleston’s Human Affairs and Racial Conciliation Commission and has served as a Racial Healing Circle Facilitator for the Social Justice Racial Equity Collaborative of the Sophia Institute.
Dr. Shoemaker received a bachelor’s degree from Boston University, a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School, a Diploma in Anglican Studies from the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Duke Divinity School.
He formerly served as Rector of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter in Burlington, NC and as the Assistant Rector at Christ Church in Andover, MA. He has also served as a missionary to Episcopal/Anglican Diocese of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and speaks conversational Portuguese.
Rev. Shoemaker is Egyptian American, with siblings in Cairo, and is married to the Rev. Courtney Davis-Shoemaker, Priest-in-Charge of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in West Ashley and the together they have three children, Malcolm, Aubrey, and Hannah. Adam’s guiding passage of scripture is Jeremiah 29:7: “Seek the welfare of the city where you find yourself, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” His passion is in helping St. Stephen’s live into its mission as “a house of prayer for all people” both in its welcome and hospitality for all and in its social justice commitments outside the parish walls.
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