Scholars, orators and civil rights icon take center stage during MLK event in Frisco
By Eva D. Coleman
Lifestyle & Culture Editor
Texas Metro News
Orchestrating galas beyond the norm in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a tall task, yet the Pioneering Excellence Foundation succeeded during their inaugural Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Gala on Jan. 16, 2026 at Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco, Texas as they saluted non-traditional scholars, oration contest participants, and included a fireside chat with legendary civil rights activist and mentee of Dr. King, Peter Johnson.
Three renewable $2000 scholarships for up to four years were awarded to students who have been in the foster care system or have documented disabilities, or “exceptionalities,” as committee member Sandra Stephens stated. With Pioneering Excellence believing “in the potential of every student, that they can define their future, and contribute positively to the world,” the Hope Scholarship was presented to Ayunna McKnight, and two Empowerment Scholarships were presented to Lincoln Beran and Ethan Hariaczyi.
Five Frisco ISD high school students competed in an MLK ideals and legacy oration competition centered on the theme of “Our Village” for a chance at the top scholarship prize of $5000, with second and third place receiving financial awards of $3000 and $2000 respectively. After the winner announcements, one audience member stood to offer $500, and another obliged with a pledge to match, to give those who ranked lower additional prizes. The oration contest winner was Suhani Gupta, with second and third place going to Montserrat Cedillo and Maddock Zhang. Other competitors were Sasha Vadivel and Morgan Wills.
Media personality Starlene Stringer led a discussion with Johnson, ranging from his thoughts on current national affairs and hope for the future. Johnson expressed that hope for the future is “divine” and that “the reality of change in America is putting your shoulder to the wheel and pushing it on up God’s hill.”
Johnson added that his “faith is in the next generation.”
“This is the generation who ain’t never seen a colored and white sign. This is the generation who has no relationship to bigotry and America’s segregation and the disease of racism,” Johnson said. “My faith for our nation is, we’ve got a new generation on this earth in our nation; bigotry has no meaning at all to this generation of America’s children. So my faith is that we are going forward and not backwards as a nation, in spite of Donald Trump.”
The chat concluded with a standing ovation for Johnson.
Radio personality Lynne Haze of Smooth R&B 105.7 FM served as event emcee, weaving her classic and recognizable voice throughout each element of the program; including a stirring rendition of the Black National Anthem by Nikia Blakely, an MLK Visionary Recognition presentation to Frisco City Councilwoman Angelia Pelham, an additional music performance and reflections from past oration contestants.
Several civic and community leaders were in attendance for this first-ever event, including State Senator Royce West, officials from the Frisco Police Department, Frisco Fire Department and more. Greetings from Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney were provided via video.
Event chairperson Tuere Williams floated throughout the room greeting sponsors and attendees, and ensuring the program with various elements stuck to its scheduled time. During her closing remarks, she was transparent in sharing her initial concerns about event attendance, and acknowledgment of her faith, quoting the miraculous biblical story of Jesus feeding others with five loaves of bread and two fish.
“Recently, there were about 11 tickets sold, and now we have a packed room and have raised $50,000,” Williams said followed by thunderous applause.
Upon entry and exit to the ballroom, Black and African-themed artwork and pieces available for sale lined the hallway. It was a grand display of excellence in history and culture.
Onstage throughout the evening, the showcase of perseverance of scholars who beat the odds, vocal prowess of young people using their voices, and historical accounts of an iconic figure in the fight for justice and equality destined this inaugural event to achieve a high level of success.
Many stood and clapped throughout the evening to recognize the accomplishments and efforts.
