2026 AZ DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE HONOREES ANNOUNCED
Honorable Cody Williams to Receive the Calvin C. Goode Lifetime Achievement Award
In honor of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s recognition that civic engagement is a key part of a thriving democracy, the Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee announces the 2026 AZ MLK Awards for Excellence in Service Honorees. The awards honor individuals, organizations and businesses that exhibit excellence in service by advancing Dr. King’s vision through service in Phoenix or the surrounding community.
Cody Williams is an Arizona native, who was born and raised in South Phoenix. After a career in finance and minority business advocacy in the valley, Williams was elected to the Phoenix city council in 1994. He became the third African American to serve on the Phoenix Council following the 22-year tenure of Councilman Calvin C. Goode and the first Councilman Morrison Warren. In eight years Williams served in that role he brought over $6 billion in resources, development, and improvements to District 8. Williams also led the Greater Phoenix Black Chamber from 2002 to 2007. He was then appointed to serve as the South Mountain Justice of the Peace in 2007 and served in that role until he retired in December 2022. The other 2026 winners are:
Dr. Martin Luther King Living the Dream Award – Community Members
• Rose Hanne
• Courtney Hemphill
• Mara Northey
• Sascha Reveron
AZMLK Drum Major for the Community Award Finalists – Organization
• 100 Black Men of Arizona
• National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Arizona
The 2026 AZMLK – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Excellence in Service Honorees will be celebrated at the 40th Annual AZMLK Awards Breakfast on Friday, January 16, 2026. Visit azmlk.org to view previous AZMLK Award Recipients (Honor Wall) and learn more information about 2025 event sponsorship opportunities, and purchase tickets.
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