Shelby County Schools Instructional Coach Kristen Glover recently provided a musical tribute during the Salute to Greatness Awards Gala presented by The King Center. This is the second year that Glover has been invited by the family of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to perform at the prestigious event in Atlanta.

The event was held at the Hyatt Regency on January 18, three days after what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 91st birthday. The annual awards gala recognizes individuals and corporations that exemplify excellence in their leadership and have demonstrated a commitment to social responsibility in the spirit of Dr. King. One of the honorees for the awards was Jaden Smith, who was accompanied by his famous father Will Smith, to the event. The younger Smith was presented with the Coretta Scott King A.N.G.E.L. Award for his humanitarian efforts to get clean water to the people in Flint, MI, and other communities in need.

“It was an honor to be asked by Rev. Dr. Bernice King, the youngest daughter of Dr. King, to render a musical tribute to the outstanding honorees of the night,” said Glover.

Glover is no stranger to singing for the King family. In fact, this is the 10th year that she has performed at their request at events related to Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebrations.

“My first invitation to sing for the celebration of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday was about ten years ago,” Glover said. “My aunt, Judy Forte, is the superintendent of the Martin Luther King National Historic Park in Atlanta and she invited me to sing. Since 2010, I have received invitations from the National Park Service and The King Center to participate in various celebrations of Dr. Martin Luther and Mrs. Coretta Scott King.

For this year’s gala, Glover said “Never Give Up” by Yolanda Adams as a video played in honor of Dr. King.