The MLK Committee of the PSWR has been organizing the region’s annual MLK Jr. Celebration, an event that celebrates the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The theme for 2026 is “A Moral Response for Such a Time as This,” based on Esther 4:14, and will feature guest speaker Rev. Terry “TJ” Coon, Jr., Senior Pastor at Abundant Life Christian Church in Los Angeles.
We would like to invite many voices in the Pacific Southwest Region to participate in the combined choir. This year we will be sending out the songs in advance so that you can rehearse in your various church choirs or on your own prior to the two rehearsals that will be scheduled. Please reach out to Minister Crystal Nix at ministercrystalnix@gmail.com or Lauren Graham at laurengraham66@gmail.com for choir details.
The 2025 Disciple of the Year award recipient Rev. Neddy Yong
Also included in the program is the presentation of the “Disciple of the Year” award and the MLK Scholarship. The Committee is currently accepting nominations for both. The Disciple of the Year award honors an individual, congregation, or unit for their efforts on behalf of justice and peace, either in their local community or through organizations and initiatives. The 2025 recipient was Rev. Nereyda "Neddy" Yong, a trained Spiritual Director whose passion is to support diverse families with resources that nurture a compassionate and just spirituality in daily life.
The 2025 MLK scholarship recipient Chianne JaNae Gibbs
The MLK Scholarship offers financial assistance to college students or students in vocational/trade schools who are committed to ministry in urban settings and/or social action through peace and justice. The 2025 recipient was Chianne JaNae Gibbs, a member of East 105th Street Christian Church in Los Angeles and a student at Chapman University. She is a Religious Studies major, with an African Studies minor, and hopes to “lead an impactful group that will mend racial tensions by sharing God’s love through simple deeds and words.” Both application forms can be found here. For more information about the MLK event, please visit: https://www.disciplespswr.org/mlk-jr-celebration