6th Annual Gravely Celebration-Battleship Iowa

The VADM Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. Leadership & Service Award, which is conferred annually at the Gravely Celebration Experience, recognizes leaders in Southern California who exemplify the trailblazing, courageous service of the late U.S. Navy Vice Admiral. The event is held annually in February as part of Black History Month. It features a sunset reception and star-lit awards program on the fantail of Battleship IOWA. The event is FREE. Seating is LIMITED. You can RSVP here or learn more at gravelyexperience.org.

This year’s honorees include Judge Mablean Ephraim, a former Los Angeles prosecuting attorney and star of Tyler Perry’s “Madea” films, whose charitable foundation’s mission is to strengthen families, educate minds, and financially empower the impoverished communities of Los Angeles County; Bill Coggins, Fulbright scholar, Army veteran, and founder of the Watts Counseling and Learning Center; and VADM Walter Davis (Ret.), electrical engineer, scientist, co-founder of a tech incubator, and decorated Navy admiral including service as a Vietnam-era pilot, aircraft carrier CO and battle group Commander. The recipients of the 2019 VADM Samuel L. Gravely, Jr. Leadership & Service Award exemplify the three core pillars of Pacific Battleship Center, the non-profit arm of Battleship IOWA Museum: education, veterans, and community.