The 62nd annual Richmond Humanitarian Awards Dinner takes place on Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
2024 HONOREES
Edward H. Baine
BK Fulton
Sheryl L. Garland
Karen A. Legato
George Keith Martin
Richard J. November
The Humanitarian Award of the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities is presented to those individuals who have demonstrated a personal commitment to the promotion of respect and understanding among people of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. On occasion, the organization may bestow the Jeffrey B. Spence Award for Interfaith Understanding to individuals who have conducted exceptional work in the area of interfaith understanding. On the rarest occasion, the Distinguished Virginian Award is presented individuals who reside in one location but whose reach in the promotion of understanding and respect is statewide. The Distinguished Merit Award recognizes corporations or community organizations for their humanitarian work.
2024 Honorees
Humanitarian Award Honoree
Edward H. Baine
Learn More About Ed
Edward H. “Ed” Baine is the president of Dominion Energy Virginia, overseeing all operations for the utility serving 2.7 million customers in Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Under his leadership, Dominion Energy has set clear goals for increasing diverse workforce representation and has made significant progress towards these goals. He serves on numerous boards, such as the Dominion Energy Credit Union, ChamberRVA, Venture Richmond, and serves as the first Black Rector at Virginia Tech. Ed is also involved with MEGA Mentors, Virginia Learns, and the American Revolution 250 Commission. His accolades include the Black Engineer of the Year Hall of Fame induction (2023) and the YMCA Chester Social Responsibility Award (2022). Ed holds a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech and completed advanced management training at Duke University.
Humanitarian Award Honoree
BK Fulton
Learn More About BK
BK Fulton, a former Verizon president, has become a media mogul, producing over 20 films, 19 books, and four Broadway shows. His company, Soulidifly Productions, focuses on creating inclusive narratives and has produced numerous films that highlight diverse stories and talents. BK also supports emerging filmmakers from underrepresented backgrounds through mentorship and education with MediaU and establishing an endowed scholarship at Virginia Tech supporting underrepresented students in fields like science, technology, engineering, architecture, and mathematics. A Virginia Tech, Harvard, and New York Law School graduate, BK has received numerous awards, including the Smithsonian Laureate Medal. He serves on several boards, such as TowneBank and the Library of Virginia Foundation, and is a member of the Producers Guild of America.
Humanitarian Award Honoree
Sheryl L. Garland
Learn More About Sheryl
Sheryl L. Garland, Chief of Health Impact at VCU Health, leads initiatives to improve community health and address health disparities. With a career at VCU Health since 1987, she has held various leadership roles, including Executive Director of the VCU Office of Health Equity. Sheryl’s work focuses on social determinants of health, such as housing and food insecurity. She has received numerous awards, including the YWCA of Richmond Outstanding Woman of the Year in Health/Science. Sheryl serves on several boards, including the Virginia Board of Social Services and the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond, and she previously served on the boards of the Institute for Public Health Innovation and the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation. She collaborates with local organizations to implement health equity programs.
Humanitarian Award Honoree
Karen A. Legato
Learn More About Karen
Karen A. Legato, Executive Director of Health Brigade, has over 35 years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, focusing on lifting up the most vulnerable in society. Under her leadership, Health Brigade has expanded significantly, serving over 12,000 low-income individuals annually with comprehensive medical, mental health, and outreach services. Karen’s background includes roles in ministry, social work, and program development. She serves on the State Health Commissioner’s Advisory Council on Health Disparity and Health Equity and is a member of The Health Equity Collective. Karen has received several awards, including the YWCA Outstanding Women Award for Non-Profit Management (2022) and the Richmond Times Dispatch Person of the Year Honoree (2018). She advocates for policy changes to improve healthcare access.
Humanitarian Award Honoree
George Keith Martin
Learn More About Keith
George Keith Martin, a distinguished attorney and former managing partner of McGuireWoods’ Richmond office, has over 25 years of experience in construction, commercial real estate, and local government law. Born in Fort Lee, Virginia, and raised in Washington, D.C., he earned his J.D. from Howard University School of Law. George has served on the boards of James Madison University, Regent University School of Law, and the University of Virginia, where he became the first African American rector. His community service includes roles with the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority and the Virginia Board of Bar Examiners. George’s contributions have been recognized with awards like the Raven Award and the Jasper Trailblazer Award. He continues to impact the community through his professional and philanthropic efforts.
Humanitarian Award Honoree
Richard J. November
Learn More About Richard
Richard J. November is celebrated for his leadership in civic and philanthropic endeavors and his success as a residential real estate developer. He founded Delami Corporation in 1965 and Continental Development Corporation in 1975. Richard has significantly contributed to the Jewish community, serving in various roles, including President of the Jewish Community Federation of Richmond and the Jewish Community Center. He has been honored with numerous awards, such as the Tree of Life Award and the Distinguished Community Service Award. Richard’s involvement extends to the Home Builders’ Association of Virginia, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond, and various state commissions. Currently, he serves on the advisory board of Illume Family Recovery, supporting families with loved ones facing substance use disorder and mental health challenges.
Thank you to the 2024 Humanitarian Award Dinner Supporters:
Humanitarian Level Supporter
Benefactor Level Supporters
Corporate Level Supporters
Table Level Supporters
• Asian & Latino Solidarity Alliance of Central Virginia
• Brightpoint Community College
• Community Foundation for a greater Richmond
• Richmond Jewish Foundation / Jewish Community Federation of Richmond
• Richmond Memorial Health Foundation
• Rosenthal Family
• Judge James R. Spencer
Past Humanitarian Awards
Past Honorees
a listing of all past honorees with Biographies (as available)
Past Dinner Chairs
a listing of all past dinner chairs
RESERVATIONS
Invitation (pfd version)
To make a reservation:
- By check or invoice: print out the Reply Card, complete all information, and mail it to VCIC (address on reverse of reply card) (coming soon)
- By credit card: Use the form below. Note: all fees are passed on to registrant
Accessibility
The Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities strives to make the Humanitarian Awards as accessible and inclusive as possible while acknowledging the existence of external barriers that may prevent 100% accessibility. VCIC leans into our core values of integrity and openness as we work to provide the most accessible experience for all, while welcoming feedback about what we can do better.
Upon request made at least two (2) weeks before the event, VCIC commits to:
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- Provide venue layout information including nearest parking and accessible entrances.
- Arrange for ASL interpretation, Spanish language interpretation, CART, and/or large print programs.
- Offer a meal accommodating dietary restrictions.
Contact LaTina at [email protected] or 804-515-7950 if you have any access needs,
comments, or questions.