Renowned gospel artist and community leader Hezekiah Walker will be given the prestigious Entertainer’s Key to the City of New York by the honorable Mayor Eric Adams on Monday, July 21, 2025. This distinguished recognition celebrates Walker’s outstanding contributions to music, faith, and community. Later that week, Walker will be inducted into the Virginia Union University Gospel Music Hall of Fame during a July 25th celebration at Brooklyn’s Theater at City Tech.
“Hezekiah Walker exemplifies the best of what our city represents — talent, faith, and a commitment to uplifting others,” said Mayor Eric Adams. “His work not only elevates the spirit but also builds stronger, more inclusive communities. We are proud to honor him.”
Hezekiah Walker is a legendary gospel artist, songwriter, preacher and community advocate whose music has earned him numerous accolades, including two Grammy Awards. Though he has a rich catalog of 15 albums, his iconic song "Every Praise" has arguably made the most indelible impact on the Gospel music landscape.
The song spent a remarkable 102 weeks on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart and topped the Gospel Airplay chart for 26 consecutive weeks. In 2019, Billboard named "Every Praise" the Gospel Song of the Decade, cementing its place as one of the most influential Gospel songs of all time.
Walker’s impact extends beyond the stage, as he actively creates and engages in initiatives that drive community development and empowerment. Additionally, as a preacher and pastor, his powerful sermons have inspired hope and resilience to countless communities across the globe.
In 2013, Walker founded the Hezekiah Walker Community Development Corporation to create resources that empower the community of East New York, Brooklyn. One of its first projects is a 10-story, 236-unit affordable housing complex that is currently nearing completion. This pioneering project underscores Walker’s commitment to community.
Hezekiah Walker has decades of multifaceted contributions and accomplishments that cement him as a trailblazer, a changemaker, and a catalyst of inspiration and hope in New York City and beyond.
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