53rd Annual Celebration

Monique Ming Laven co-anchors KIRO 7 Eyewitness News at 5 and 11 p.m. Monday through Friday. Monique joined KIRO 7 Eyewitness News in June of 2006. She splits her time between anchoring and reporting during the week. As an anchor, she has been on the desk for some of Western Washington’s biggest news stories coverage, for which KIRO 7 has received an Emmy Award and a National Headliner Award for Best Newscast.

Three young local scholars affiliated with Speak with Purpose will share their original speeches that explore topics including culture, identity, social justice, and their vision for a better world.
 

Camden Clayton, Mercer Middle School 7th Grader

Camden Clayton is a two-time finalist in the Rising Voices Oratory Showcase, earning both first and third place. Born in Memphis, Tennessee, he loves soccer, family and reading. Camden aspires to become a professional soccer player and an astronomer, and he uses his voice to advocate for justice and equity.
 

Shea Lawson, Washington Middle School 7th Grader

Shea Lawson is a proud recent graduate of Thurgood Marshall Elementary and has begun an exciting new chapter as a 7th grader. She loves spending time with her family, listening to music, watching soccer, and enjoying theater performances. Passionate about learning and inspiring others, Shea aspires to become a preschool teacher and shape young minds with care and creativity.
 

Sam Pederson-Spaulding, Franklin High School 10th Grader

Sam Pederson-Spaulding is a 16-year-old student with a deep passion for art and acting. With several years of public speaking experience, Sam has discovered a love for connecting with audiences and using his voice to inspire and engage.

Social Justice Awards and recognition will be presented in the following areas.

• McKinney Scholar
• Program Award
• Community Hero

Dr. Lora-Ellen McKinney, pediatric psychologist, writer, poet, dancer and daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Samuel McKinney, will offer a tribute to her father on what would have been his 100th birthday.

DaNell Daymon and Greater Works is a contemporary gospel choir whose members come from Seattle and other cities across the U.S. The group's chief vocal director, DaNell Daymon, is a multi-talented Gospel Music artist who resides in the Pacific Northwest. The group appeared on Season 12 of NBC TV's America's Got Talent in the spring and summer of 2017, advancing as far as the semifinals.

 

This year’s community conversation at 1 p.m. is "From Protest to Action" with special guests civil rights activist elder Eddie Rye and social justice activist Angela Rye.

Eddie Rye Jr. is a lifelong community leader, broadcaster, and civil rights advocate whose work has shaped equity and civic engagement in the Pacific Northwest for more than five decades. A respected voice on social justice, public policy, and community empowerment, he is the longtime host of Urban Forum Northwest on KKNW 1150 AM, where he has amplified underserved voices and advanced critical conversations since 2009. Throughout his career, he has helped build, guide, and strengthen community institutions advancing racial equity, economic opportunity, and civic participation.

Angela Rye is an award-winning host, lawyer, social justice advocate, and Principal/CEO of IMPACT Strategies, where her political advocacy and crisis management firm’s Professional Development Program has supported more than 500 alumni now serving at the highest levels of government, corporate, and nonprofit sectors. She is also the co-creator of State of the People, a coalition of 200 local and national organizations providing resources, education, empowerment, and relief to thousands of citizens.