The Scholarship Celebration (formerly Gala) is the oldest celebration of MLK Day in Greenville, SC; with the first event being held in 1977. It has been co-sponsored by Gamma Gamma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Furman University since 2008. 

This event serves four purposes for the Upstate Community. 

• First, it serves as a collaborative event for the Gamma Gamma Lambda Chapter and Furman University’s joint celebration of Dr. King’s legacy.  Realizing that many MLK activities take place in our community, Gamma Gamma Lambda has been instrumental in charting the course for many of these celebrations and observances. Traditionally, the Luncheon has been the lead event for the upstate community's MLK celebration. 

• Second, this is the primary fundraising effort for the Luke H. Chatman Scholarship, which is awarded to Greenville County High School Students in April of each year. We are currently supporting several students.

• Third, the Gala serves as an opportunity to educate local youth about Dr. King’s Legacy and various programs that promote positive examples for youth to emulate. As a part of this effort, the Luncheon features in various presentations and information about Dr. King’s message and programs, which are ideal examples of his description of the “Beloved Community”. 

• Finally, the Luncheon is where we announce the latest award of the Martin Luther King Citizenship Award for the Upstate of South Carolina. 

2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Citizenship Award Winner

Ms. Tabetha Ma’ta Crawford