Youth mentor John "Johnny" Britto and educator Dr. Wayne J. Montague, Sr. honored in 10th annual awards ceremony.
Mayor Angel Taveras joined with City Council President Michael Solomon and other community and faith leaders on Wednesday evening to officially induct John "Johnny" Britto and Dr. Wayne Montague, Sr. into the City of Providence's Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Hall of Fame.
Each year, inductees are honored for carrying on the legacy of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by making substantial contributions to acceptance, social justice, civil rights and equality in Providence. Mayor Taveras selected this year's honorees from a list of nominations submitted by the Providence Human Relations Commission.
"It is a pleasure to announce this year's Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Hall of Fame inductees - John "Johnny" Britto and Dr. Wayne Montague, Sr.," said Mayor Taveras. "These two leaders have made lasting contributions to our City and are dedicated to enriching the lives of Providence youth and strengthening our community. Their efforts honor Dr. King's legacy and exemplify the goals for a free and equal American society that Dr. King championed."
John "Johnny" Britto has served as a youth mentor and program coordinator at the Fox Point Boys and Girl Club. Britto has coordinated basketball leagues to keep youth engaged during summer months, assisted young people in finding employment and provided mentorship to the generations of Providence youth for whom the Fox Point Boys and Girls Club has been a home.
Dr. Wayne J. Montague, Sr., is a Providence educator and community leader. Dr. Montague began his career as a classroom teacher and went on to become a principal at Classical High School and Hope High School. He has also been integral to the multi-million dollar property improvement projects and scholarship program at Wiggin Village, a housing community in the city's West End.
The induction ceremony also included a spoken word performance by storyteller Len Cabral and musical performances by Patti Jordan, the RPM Voices of Rhode Island, and the Eastern Medicine Singers.
The recipients' names will be permanently inscribed in a plaque in Providence City Hall.