On January 15, 2023, The Cleveland Orchestra presented its 19^th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Awards to LaJean Ray, Dr. William Henry Caldwell, and the MLK Community Chorus.

Presented at the beginning of their MLK Celebration Concert at Severance Music Center, the awards recognize individuals and organizations for their service to the Greater Cleveland areas in the spirit of Dr. King’s work and legacy.

As director of the Fatima Family Center, La Jean Ray has helped provide a number of emergency and transitional services for children, families, and the elderly in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood. Since her appointment in 1996, she has significantly expanded their outreach and partnerships with local businesses, schools and civic centers.

In addition to his role as resident conductor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Chorus, Dr. William Henry Caldwell has been a longtime musical partner with The Cleveland Orchestra, helping to prepare the chorus for performances at the center. Following a 34-year tenure at Central State University, Dr. Caldwell is currently the artistic director of the Vocal Arts Mastery Program for students in grades five through twelve in Cleveland.