MLKR 15th Anniversary Gala in Review

CHICAGO, IL On Thursday, January 19, 2023, the Martin Luther King Republicans celebrated the King National Holiday and 15 years of dedication to the Principles of Non-Violence with an intimate, invitation-only gala at the Trump International Hotel and Towers Chicago. The gala sponsors included White Eagle Auto Body, Chicago Republican Party, and Kathy Salvi.

The private event was held on the 17th floor, where attendees enjoyed a breathtaking view of the skyline, an Italian buffet with an open bar, and a brief awards program. Rev. Latasha Fields presided over the opening prayer, and Gretchen Fritz, co-host of 560 AM On Target Radio, was the Mistress of Ceremonies. Ebony Tillman welcomed the guests and acknowledged Rev. Pervis Thomas of New Canaan Land Church, who received the Shuttlesworth Courage Award, and Coach Ernest Radcliffe and Wolfpack Youth Sports, who received the Direct Action with Youth Award. Due to scheduling, neither was able to attend. Fritz presented Tina McGrath with the Viola Liuzzo Valor Award. McGrath graciously accepted the award and had only recently learned about the little-known civil rights martyr to whom the award was named. Founder and president Jimmy Lee Tillman II acknowledged President Donald J. Trump, recipient of the MLKR 2023 Drum Major for Justice Award. They announced the organization's endorsement of his 2024 bid for president.

Tillman Family Press, the co-host of the event, will send out copies of Tillman's Handbook of Great Black American Patriots to those who should receive them in the following weeks. Please enjoy the flipbook of the official commemorative gala magazine. If you would like to receive a hard copy, please email tillman@martinlutherkingrepublicans.com.