The Embrace Boston Sneaker Gala was held Sunday night in the city, celebrating those who embody the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Racial equity was top of mind as attendees came dressed to the nines from head to toe, wearing cool kicks for a powerful cause at the second annual MLK Embrace Honors at Big Night Live.
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“My sneakers have Dr. King on one side, really pensive and thinking, and then the other side has Tommie Smith and John Carlos from the 1968 Olympics when they threw their fists in the air," explained Michael Curry, the president and CEO of Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers.
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"We wanted to have an article of clothing that unites all of us," said the president and CEO of Embrace Boston, Imari Paris Jeffries.
NBC10 Boston's own Latoyia Edwards was one of the revered emcees at the event.
Three couples were honored for their work in the community with the MLK and Coretta Scott King awards at the event that raises money for Embrace Boston, whose mission is to dismantle structural racism through the intersection of arts, culture, community, research and policy.
The vision is a radically inclusive and equitable Boston.
“It’s truly humbling and never expected it," said Dr. Kia Martin, an educator and equity advocate. "Excited about being here tonight, it’s an incredible honor.”
The Martins, two of the recipients, have spent their lives promoting inclusivity and building equitable communities.
“We know what it’s like not to have meaningful healthcare, we know what it's like not to have schools properly stocked with the right books,” said Demond Martin, CEO of WellWithAll.
It was a night of music, dancing and joy -- with a commitment to continue the cause.
“There is not any other event that celebrates the life and legacy of Martin Luther King with love, joy, dancing and communities,” Paris Jeffries said.
This is part of a series of five events put on by Embrace Boston. The next one will be held during Black History Month.
