The Martin Luther King Holiday is marked with an abundance of reverent celebrations recognizing the works of the legendary civil and human rights leader. But it’s also a prime opportunity to acknowledge the works of contemporary advocates who continue to fight valiantly and relentlessly for an improved quality of life for African Americans. So in the spirit of the holiday, and in keeping with corporate commitments to the community Miller Lite and the Gidewon Foundation saw to the honors at the Vanquish lounge in Atlanta, following a day of national commemoration for the slain hero.
Ryan Cameron of V-103 opened the ceremony by asking the crowd of Atlanta notables to remain vigilant and dedicated to the causes of economic freedom and civil liberty. “Community service is everything … we ar
e here to salute these people for what they have given back and say we understand the choice you’ve made to give back — they are good, they are great,” Cameron said of the first class of Miller Lite Goodness to Greatness Hall of Fame inductees.
Steve Canal, MillerCoors’ multicultural sales manager, joined Cameron on stage and reminded the crowd of their obligations to carry on the dream of “The Dreamer.” “With the Miller Lite tag line being, ‘Taste the Greatness,’ we developed the Goodness to Greatness Hall of Fame program to honor those who have successfully made the leap. Canal also thanked MillerCoors southeast region GM, James Tolliver, for allowing him the opportunity to make a concerted corporate contribution to the community adding, “He believes in us.”
“There were a lot of great things done in the past, and we celebrate them through the Martin Luther King holiday, but we also recognize that we have people who continue to do great things. So the Miller Lite Greatness Award gives us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate not only Dr. King, but also those folks who are continuing the dream and doing great things,” said Tolliver.
Tolliver says the criteria for induction into the Miller Lite 
Greatness Hall of Fame includes principles that elevate and uplift members of a community. “We looked mainly at those who are making a difference. Hiring others, inspiring others and making a difference in the community — mentoring members of the community. Those are the ones who are truly having an impact in building our future.”
The Miller Lite evening of greatness concluded with a check presentation to the I Choose Education Project. Other Miller Lite Goodness to Greatness Hall of Fame inductees included; Roger Bobb of Bobbcat Films; chef G. Garvin; author David Manuel; and rolling out publisher Munson Steed.
The Gidewon Foundation is dedicated to reshaping the basic element of life for underprivileged youth. The organization strives to revitalize the community by improving the quality of life through higher education. For more information visit the gidewon foundation at www.facebook.com/…/The-Gidewon–Foundation.
