Bucks County Community College, which has been making the dream of higher education a reality for nearly 60 years, will honor three individuals with the third annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Leadership Awards on Friday, January 26.

Tom Jennings, chair of the College’s Board of Trustees, and Associate Vice President Kevin L. Antoine, J.D., will recognize leaders of corporate, humanitarian, and community organizations who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to nondiscrimination, regardless of an individual’s station in life.

According to Jennings, the event serves as a reminder that the work of Dr. King continues for us all.

“We remember Dr. King for his courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice for all,” said Jennings. “We honor three extraordinary citizens who live his values. They are the peacemakers of our time, and they enrich our college and our community by their good example, steadfast spirits and lives of generous service.”

This year’s honorees are:

· Community Leader – Billie Barnes, Executive Director, Workforce & Economic Development, County of Bucks

· Corporate Leader – Bernard Tynes, Chief Experience & Impact Officer, Penn Community Bank

· Humanitarian Leader – Erin Lukoss, Executive Director/CEO, Bucks County Opportunity Council

Full biographies of each honoree can be found here.

Antoine, the AVP of External Affairs and chief civil rights officer at the College, said the honorees are being recognized for the work they do at the local level to ensure that all residents of Bucks County have an opportunity to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

“The MLK Leadership awardees demonstrate through their life’s work that civility, character, and fairness are unique to American democracy.” said Antoine. “What’s more, this program exemplifies the College’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by reaffirming that there is goodwill in the people of Bucks County, regardless of their station in life.”

The third annual Bucks County Community College MLK Leadership Awards, featuring live music from the College’s Madrigal Singers and jazz faculty combo, takes place from 5 to 7 PM Friday, January 26, in the Linksz Pavilion on the Newtown Campus at 275 Swamp Rd., Newtown, Pa., 18940.

The ceremony will be streamed live online starting at 5:30 PM on the College’s website.