The Philadelphia Council of Clergy (PCC) proudly announces its 2026 Honor the Dreamers Awards Program, to be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Now in its sixth year, this signature gathering has become a sacred and civic moment in the life of the city—bringing together clergy, elected officials, community leaders, and citizens to celebrate modern-day torchbearers who embody the spirit, sacrifice, and service of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
For the past six years, the Philadelphia Council of Clergy has intentionally created space to recognize leaders whose work reflects Dr. King’s enduring commitment to justice, compassion, reconciliation, and community transformation. These are men and women who do not merely speak about change—they labor for it, often quietly, faithfully, and at great personal cost.
Read more: Philadelphia Council of Clergy Announces 2026 “Honor the Dreamers” Awards Honoring Exemplary Faith and Civic LeadershipSince its inception, the Honor the Dreamers Awards have recognized a distinguished and diverse circle of honorees. Among them have been pioneers such as the Honorable Wilson Goode Sr., the first African American Mayor of Philadelphia, whose leadership helped shape the city’s modern civic landscape, and Bart Oates, President of the NFL Alumni Association, honored for his commitment to service beyond the gridiron. In addition, numerous clergy leaders have been recognized with Lifetime Achievement Awards for decades of faithful ministry, moral leadership, and spiritual guidance within Philadelphia and beyond.
The 2026 class of honorees continues that rich tradition of excellence and impact:
· Trailblazer Award — Nelson Pérez, Archbishop of Philadelphia, Archdiocese of Philadelphia
· Lifetime Achievement Award — Rev. Dr. William Moore, Pastor of Ten Memorial Baptist Church
· Lifetime Achievement Award — Bishop Millicent Hunter, Pastor of The Baptist Worship Center
· Bridge Builder Award — Inspector Jarreau Thomas, Philadelphia Police Department
· President’s Award — Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania
This year, the Council has added a special distinction—the President’s Award—to recognize an elected official whose public service has demonstrated a commitment to putting people before politics and progress before partisanship. Governor Josh Shapiro is being honored for his leadership on behalf of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and for modeling a results-driven approach to governance during a time of deep division.
Each award category reflects a dimension of Dr. King’s legacy:
· Trailblazer honors those breaking new ground.
· Lifetime Achievement recognizes decades of faithful service.
· Bridge Builder celebrates those fostering unity across communities.
· President’s Award affirms courageous and people-centered public leadership.
The evening program will feature tributes, award presentations, inspirational reflections, and moments of collective gratitude for leaders who continue to “keep the dream alive” through action and sacrifice.
In a season when the nation continues to wrestle with division along lines of race, class, politics, and ideology, the Philadelphia Council of Clergy believes it is both timely and necessary to lift up examples of servant leadership. Scripture reminds us, “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice” (Proverbs 29:2). The Honor the Dreamers gathering seeks to highlight those whose authority is exercised with humility, justice, and moral clarity.
“The dream Dr. King spoke of was never meant to live only in history books,” said PCC leadership. “It lives wherever leaders choose courage over comfort, service over status, and unity over division. This evening is our way of saying—we see you, we honor you, and we thank God for you.”
Clergy, community partners, civic leaders, and members of the public are invited to attend and share in this celebration of faith-anchored service and transformational leadership.
Event Details:
2026 Honor the Dreamers Awards
Sunday, February 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
Baptist Worship Center
4790 James Street
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19137
For ticket information, sponsorship opportunities, or media inquiries, please contact the Philadelphia Council of Clergy Caroly@phillyclergy.com Carolyn Scott