The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Unsung Heroes Awards Celebration took place Saturday at the Local 2426 Union Hall on East Washington Street.

Held by C.E.B. Accounting Financial and Tax Service, the event happened on the exact same stage where King spoke to local leaders when he visited Suffolk in June 1963, the same occasion when he spoke to a crowd of thousands at Peanut Park.

“That stage is still up here in this Union Hall,” said Belinda Evans. “This union has been very instrumental in historical moments.”

The three unsung heroes honored at Saturday’s event were Benford Hunter Sr., Costellar Ledbetter and Earnestine Shepherd.

Hunter has been the president of the union since 1980, Evans said. He was chosen due to his union leadership and his leadership in the annual King celebration.

“Mr. Hunter was very instrumental in keeping the dream alive and the program,” Evans said.

Ledbetter, Evans said, was chosen for her many years of leadership in the Nansemond-Suffolk Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People as well as other local efforts.

“She was very instrumental in working with us at the last two marches we had celebrating King’s birthday,” Evans said. Ledbetter also ran for School Board last year.

Shepherd was chosen for many years of service within her church, Pleasant Union Missionary Baptist Church, Evans said.

“She has been there for so many years and she holds many titles,” Evans said. “She’s always a giver within the church and the community.”

The theme for the event was “Where Do We Go From Here?” The purpose, according to the program, was to acknowledge King’s legacy, for C.E.B. Financial Accounting and Tax Services to show appreciation to clients and the community and to honor the three individuals who have stood out as unsung heroes.