Chancellor’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Luncheon

Civil rights advocate and global humanitarian Martin Luther King III is shepherding the healing of our nation and the world, connecting the important lessons of the past with the critical needs of our future and motivating a new generation of authentic leaders. As the oldest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Martin Luther King III is a thought leader on the world stage, a peacemaker, and a negotiator on some of today’s most critical national and international platforms for social change. Amplifying the work of his father, Mr. King has devoted his life to promoting global human rights and eradicating racism, violence, and poverty.

An experienced and respected international statesman who has consulted with numerous heads of state and governments, his dedication to implementing strategic, nonviolent solutions to stop the rise of social, political, and economic injustice has built his reputation as one of the world’s most passionate advocates for the poor and oppressed. In his trademark logical approach to problem-solving, Mr. King raises the public discourse on social issues and challenges us all to do better. “If we can live a day in peace, why can’t we live a week in peace? If we can live a week in peace, why can’t we live a month? If we can live a month, why not a year? And if we can achieve a year, why not a lifetime?”

Most recently, Martin and Arndrea have taken over leadership of the Drum Major Institute, a nonprofit organization started over 60 years ago. The Drum Major Institute has built a reputation advancing the core mission and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. With a focus on continuing the King legacy through education, action, engagement with world leaders, and collaboration with socially conscious organizations, the work of the Drum Major Institute is as important today as it was then, inspiring each individual to embrace their unique contribution to peace, justice, and equity for all through common-sense solutions to our most pressing problems.

Kevin Holmes is the Evening News Anchor / Reporter for KSHB -TV.  Kevin has nearly 20 years- experience and a 4-time Emmy Winning Journalist.  In 2021 and 2022 he received a Mid-America Regional News Emmy Award for Best Anchor. And 2022 Missouri Broadcasters Association Best Anchor Winner.  Under Kevin’s leadership the station received its first ever Missouri Broadcasters Association Award for Station of the Year.  Kevin is the first black male anchor to be named to the 10p.m. broadcast in Kansas City and is one half of the first all-black primary evening anchor team in Kansas City history. 

Kevin is an advocate for mentorship.  Mentoring kids in the Kansas City Public School District as well as working with the Urban Ranger Corps in Kansas City.  In 2021 Kevin spearheaded and chaired a campaign called Gift of Sole, that raised nearly 50 thousand dollars to purchase 800 shoes for underserved children in Kansas City.   And more than 100 thousand in year two, helping 1,600 children. 

Kevin is a native of Chicago.  He’s reported and anchored at news stations in Flint, Michigan, Memphis, Tennessee, Raleigh, North Carolina and Savannah Georgia.  Kevin has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Lake Forest College.  He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and a member of the National Association of Black Journalists.