The Rev. Johnny R. Calhoun is overseeing the construction of a $3 million community center in Parole. State Sen. Verna L. Jones helped win an expansion of health care for the poor and elderly. Business executive James Pitts orchestrated the renovation of the Robinwood Community Center.

The three are among nine individuals and groups to be honored Friday night at Anne Arundel County's 20th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner. The event will also mark the 40th anniversary of King's assassination.

"This is the year of retrospection, how far we've come from   more »