Sunday, January 18, 2026

Sunday’s MLK Scholarship Service Pulls Focus on Pasadena and Altadena Students

Bishop Terry Turrentine, senior pastor of Tabernacle Community Church, will be keynote speaker. [Courtesy photo]

Annual Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance event will see Bishop Terry Turrentine preside

The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Greater Pasadena will host its annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Service on Sunday, Jan. 18. offering scholarship support to students from Pasadena and Altadena, according to an announcement from the organization.

The annual service honors the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and raises funds for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Program, through which IMA will award 10 scholarships to graduating high school seniors in the Class of 2026.

The service is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at First African Methodist Episcopal Church, 1700 N. Raymond Ave. in Pasadena.

This year’s scholarship service will feature Bishop Terry Turrentine, senior pastor of Tabernacle Community Church, as the keynote speaker. He is widely respected for his dynamic preaching, moral leadership and steadfast advocacy for justice, faith and community empowerment.

“The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Service is more than a commemoration—it is an investment in the future. By supporting the educational dreams of our young people, we honor Dr. King’s legacy in a tangible and lasting way. Education remains one of the most powerful tools for justice and liberation,” said Rev. Dr. Larry E. Campbell, president of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Greater Pasadena.

IMA said it is partnering with Southern California Edison and LA Fire Justice as sponsors of this year’s service.

“The community is warmly invited to attend this meaningful gathering of faith, remembrance, and purpose, and to support the next generation of leaders,” an announcement said.

Eligible students must live in Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre or South Pasadena and plan to attend a trade school, junior college, four-year college or university. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and demonstrated financial need.

The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance of Greater Pasadena is a coalition of faith leaders and congregations committed to spiritual leadership, social justice, community advocacy and service. For decades, IMA has worked collaboratively across denominations to uplift communities, address critical social issues, and promote unity, equity and hope throughout Pasadena, Altadena and the greater San Gabriel Valley.