Building the Beloved Community

Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy

Aisha Adams was honored with the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award during January’s 44th annual celebration and events honoring Dr. King. She was recognized for her work through Aisha Adams Media, an online influencer and communications company that has helped numerous small businesses and nonprofits create profitable but conscious content for social media since 2014.

In receiving her award, Ms. Adams expressed her gratitude both to the Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County, and to her family and the larger community.

In her remarks, Ms. Adams said, “The past few years have presented profound challenges, but in those moments of uncertainty, the words of Dr. King and the wisdom of my mentors provided strength and guidance. I have faced my imperfections, endured injustice firsthand, and gained a deeper understanding of justice, equality, and service. Through it all, I have remained committed to taking accountability, growing from my mistakes, and working each day to effect positive change.”

Moving Forward with Purpose

Looking toward the future, she posed a fundamental question: “How can we meet the needs of those who rely on us most, despite systems designed to keep us disconnected?”

In answer, she encouraged all “to be a part of the Beloved Community Dr. King envisioned—a society rooted in justice, equal opportunity, and love for all. Together,” she said, “we have the power to dismantle unjust systems and foster reconciliation. Dr. King’s words from his Letter from Birmingham Jail remain a guiding force: ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’”

She continued, “I remain a lifelong student of humanity. My mistakes and misfortunes do not define me; instead, I choose to actively seek opportunities to engage in what Congressman John Lewis called “good trouble.”

Among the “good trouble” approaches Ms. Adams highlighted were to:

• Engage in nonviolent direct action;
• Peacefully challenge unjust laws and practices, remembering that constructive tension compels meaningful change.
• Foster inclusive dialogue
• Create spaces for open and honest conversations that bridge divides and strengthen our collective capacity to heal and grow.
• Advocate for policy change, including by collaborating to influence legislation that promotes social justice, voting rights, economic equity, and access to quality education and healthcare.

Adams concluded her remarks by saying, “I encourage each of you to reflect on how you can contribute to Dr. King’s vision in your own unique way—through your work, community involvement, or daily acts of kindness and justice. Together, let us continue building the ‘Beloved Community’ where everyone can thrive. Let us honor Dr. King’s legacy not just in words, but in action, fostering hope, equity, and unity in all that we do.”

Learn more about Aisha Adams at aishajohnsonadams.com.