Vice-chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Sir Hilary Beckles, is among five recipients of the 2021 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Awards, which will be held virtually for the first time next Monday, January 18.

President and founder of the US National Action Network (NAN), Reverend Al Sharpton announced the awardees on Wednesday.

Sir Hilary joins director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Dr Anthiny Fauci; young Cavanaugh Bell, Chief Kid Positivity Creator, Cool & Dope; Sindy Benavides, LULAC CEO; and LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Votes Matter—as the 2021 honourees.

According to NAN, the prestigious MLK award, now in its 30th year, seeks to recognise individuals in their respective fields whose work have expanded justice and equality in their communities.

The civil rights organisation, in explaining Sir Hilary’s recognised, said he was particularly chosen for his global advocacy, academic scholarship and intellectual leadership in support of social justice, institutional equity, and economic development for marginalised and oppressed ethnicities and nations.

Dr Fauci, at the forefront of the US response against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, will receive the Lifetime Community Service Award.

NAN further noted that as 2021 marks the 53rd anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jnr, the MLK awards are just one way persons are honoured, with a view to refocusing and sustaining his dream.

Previous awardees include former US President Bill Clinton, founder of Motown Music Berry Gordy, and former US Attorney General Eric Holder.