2026 Hall of Fame Award Recipient
The Honorable Diyonne L. McGraw
The Honorable Diyonne L. McGraw, a lifelong resident of Gainesville, Florida, has devoted her life to serving others, promoting justice, and advocating for individuals whose voices are frequently overlooked. She has been married to her husband, Mark McGraw, for 32 years and is the proud mother of four children—Aric, Brooksie, Mark II, and Mya—and the devoted Glam-mom of Mark McGraw III. A proud graduate of Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and Nova Southeastern University, she has lived and led in Alachua County for nearly three decades, building a legacy rooted in equity, civic engagement, and community uplift.
Her professional journey reflects steadfast leadership across education, business, and public service. She is the founder and CEO of Successful Living II, LLC, a residential habilitation agency providing critical services and advocacy for individuals with developmental disabilities. Through this work, she has championed dignity, accountability, and opportunity for both consumers and employees while contributing to community stability and workforce development.
As Chair of the Alachua County School Board, Hon. McGraw provided transformative leadership during a pivotal period for the district, working collaboratively with fellow board members and the Superintendent. Under her guidance, the district reduced the number of state-designated improvement schools from seven to two, reflecting focused academic interventions and accountability. She set an example – visiting 38 schools within the first two weeks of the academic year—and traveled throughout the county highlighting positive outcomes, innovative practices, and the dedicated work of educators and staff. Her leadership also supported the implementation of the Barbering Program at Eastside High School, expanding career and technical education pathways for students.
For decades, Hon. McGraw has been a tireless advocate for civil rights, education, and youth empowerment. She has served in leadership roles with the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Florida and is a founding member of the Twenty Pearls Foundation, Inc. Her fierce advocacy has directly changed lives, including intervening on behalf of a high school senior facing non-graduation—an effort that resulted in the student successfully earning a diploma.
Her influence extends through leadership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; The Links, Incorporated; and as Chartering Third Vice President for Membership of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Greater Gainesville Chapter. She is the recipient of numerous honors, including the Rev. T.A. Wright NAACP Community Service Award.
Hon. Diyonne L. McGraw’s legacy is one of courage, accountability, and transformative advocacy -empowering communities to pursue justice, equity, and progress while ensuring students and families are seen, supported, and celebrated.
For her commitment and dedication to the citizens of Gainesville/Alachua County for education, civic and community involvement, we proudly present The Honorable Diyonne L. McGraw with the 2026 Martin Luther King, Jr. Hall of Fame Award.
Hall of Fame Past Award Recipients
Albert White | 2025
The Honorable Rodney J. Long | 2024
Ms. Chanae Jackson | 2023
The Honorable Stephan P. Mickle | 2022
Aeriel Lane | 2021
NKwanda Jah | 2020
Kali Blount | 2019
Evelyn Foxx | 2018
Dorcas “Candy” Ramsuer | 2017
Father Roland Julien | 2016
Dr. Vivian Hayes | 2015
Tony Jones | 2014
Louis Kalivoda | 2013
Steve & Ruth Brown | 2011
Father John Gillespie | 2011
Daniel Harmeling | 2010
Arupa Freeman | 2009
Dr. Hazel Kirkland “Sister Hazel” Williams | 2008
*Hertercene Turner Dee | 2007
Jacquelyn “Jackie” Hart-Williams | 2006
Vivian Filer | 2005
Dr. C.W. Banks | 2005
Dr. E.A. Cosby | 2005
Harriet Ludwig | 2004
Lucille B. Perkins | 2003
Mrs. Pearlie Mare Stephens-Hunt | 2003
Carol W. Thomas | 2003
Joseph Marcus Buchanan | 2002
Dr. Joyce Yvette Cosby | 2002
Floretta Vinson Allen | 2001
Joseph Judge | 2000
Barbara Higgins | 1999
Virgil Hawkins, Jr. | 1998
Russell Henry | 1997
Dr. C. Arthur “Art” Sandeen | 1996
Rev. James Cato – Thomas Coward | 1995
Susie Mae White | 1994
A. Quinn Jones, Sr. | 1993
Dr. C.W. Norton | 1992
Rosa B. WIlliams | 1991
Musheerah Shahid | 1990
Charles S. Chestnut, III | 1989
Savannah Williams | 1988
Rev. T.A. Wright | 1988
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. | 1987