More than 200 community members gathered on Thursday evening for the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, an evening centered on unity, shared progress, and investing in the next generation of leaders. The evening’s message was powerfully framed by remarks from Terreta Rodgers, Head of Community Affairs for Amazon for Georgia, who reflected on Dr. King’s enduring legacy and its relevance today.

“I think one of the misconceptions that people have about Dr. King is that they believe he wanted everybody to be the same,” Rodgers said. “In reality, he wanted us to appreciate and respect our differences — our cultures, traditions, and perspectives. It’s not about a colorless society; it’s about honoring what each of us brings to the table.”

That theme resonated throughout the program, which brought together business leaders, educators, students, entrepreneurs, and community advocates to reflect on Dr. King’s vision while taking tangible steps to advance opportunity in Albany.

As part of the celebration, the Chamber awarded $1,000 scholarships to Albany State University to local high school students and presented complimentary Chamber memberships to local entrepreneurs, reinforcing its commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth.

“Look around this room and you will see a tapestry of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, woven together by a shared commitment to understanding, respect, and progress,” said Adam Hutchins, 2026 Chair of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. “This diversity speaks to how far we have come as a community while reminding us that our work is never finished — and that we truly are better together.”

The following local entrepreneurs were recognized with complimentary Albany Area Chamber of Commerce memberships:

Chamber Membership Recipients (Entrepreneurs):

• Johnson Tax & Financial Solutions Owner: Milton Johnson

• Cleaned with Love Owner: Je’Leah McClendon

In addition, the Chamber proudly awarded $1,000 scholarships to the following students, recognizing their academic achievement and leadership potential:

$1,000 Scholarship Recipients (Albany State University):

• Knia Gullet, Monroe Comprehensive High School

• Dai’Lynn Jones, Westover Comprehensive High School

Matt Reed, Interim President of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of continued momentum and collective responsibility.

“Whether young or seasoned, whether by running, walking, or crawling — we are moving forward, and we are doing that together,” Reed said. “We are committed to building momentum in the city that we love and invite you to keep building with us.”

The Albany Area Chamber of Commerce extends its sincere gratitude to all speakers, partners, and attendees who helped make the evening impactful and meaningful. The MLK Celebration continues to serve as a reminder that progress is built through collaboration, understanding, and a shared commitment to opportunity for all.