Sharon Gill was awarded the 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award for an individual, at a ceremony at the newly re-named Palm Beach State College on Thursday, January 14, 2010. The Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Awards were estalished by Palm Beach State College to honor individuals and organizations that have made major innovative contributions toward improving the lives of others, particularly the underserved, through leadership, service and or programs. These contributions can be in the areas of education, diversity, race relations, health care, social justice and economic empowerment.

The keynote speaker for the event, Sheila Johnson-co-founder of Black Entertainment TV(BET) and current CEO of Salamander Hospitality Company, gave a stirring speech about the responsibilities each of us have to our community. Ms. Johnson is a philanthropist and sits on many non profit boards. She is also the only African-American woman to have ownership in three professional sports teams: the WNBA's Washington Mystics, the NBA's Washington Wizards and the NHL's Washington Capitals.

In picture above from left: Sheila C. Johnson (Keynote Speaker and former BET owner), Wilson G. Bradshaw, Ph.D. (Alumnus Award), Roy Foster for Faith*Hope*Love*Charity, Inc. Stand Down House (Organization Leadership Award), Sharon Gill (Individual Leadership Award), Erin Hayes (Student Leader)