(LOUISIANA STATEWIDE – April 27, 2026) - Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) will broadcast the 2026 Louisiana Legends Gala and Awards Ceremony live on Thursday, April 30 at 8:30 PM from the historic Louisiana Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge.

The awards program will be co-hosted by Dr. Robyn Merrick and John Denison. Presented by Friends of LPB, this annual event celebrates exceptional Louisianans whose contributions have shaped the cultural, civic, and economic life of the state. The honorees represent a range of fields including business, education, law, the arts, philanthropy, and sports. 

This year’s honorees include:

Charles Alexander is an LSU and NFL standout whose athletic excellence has left a lasting mark on collegiate and professional football. A dominant running back at Louisiana State University, he was a two-time All-American and finished his LSU career as one of its most decorated players. He was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft and enjoyed a productive professional career and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He has remained an ambassador for LSU, mentoring young athletes. His legacy includes a lasting influence on the community and the sport he loves.

Richard A. Lipsey is an entrepreneur and civic leader. A graduate of LSU and Harvard Business School OPM, he served in the U.S. Army as Aide to the Commanding General of the Military District of Washington, including involvement in the funeral of President John F. Kennedy. Lipsey entered the family business, Steinberg Sports Centers, and in 1977 purchased S & S Wholesale Sporting Goods (now Lipsey’s), growing it into the nation’s largest firearms distributor. With his family, he owns Haspel, the iconic men’s clothing brand, and is a generous philanthropist. 

Dr. Calvin Mackie is an engineer, educator, and motivational leader whose work has inspired communities across Louisiana and beyond. Mackie earned his Master’s and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and is the co-founder of STEM NOLA and STEM Global, organizations dedicated to providing educational opportunities and workforce development in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Mackie is also a sought-after public speaker, author, and advocate for innovation, economic development, and community empowerment.

Judy Perry Martinez is an attorney known for her dedication to excellence and public service. A partner at Simon, Peragine, Smith & Redfearn, she has earned recognition for her expertise in complex litigation. Martinez has held influential roles at the state and national levels, including serving as President of the American Bar Association. Her career reflects a commitment to ethics, civic engagement, and equal justice, with a lasting impact on the legal community.

Thomas Ryder is an entrepreneur and retired executive with extensive experience in publishing and financial services, overseeing multibillion-dollar global organizations. He served as Chairman and CEO of The Reader’s Digest Association, President of American Express Travel Related Services International, and Chairman and CEO of American Express Publishing Worldwide. He has also held key roles with Time, Inc., Xerox Education Publications, CBS Publishing, and co-founded Education Today Co., Inc. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to innovation.

Hunt Slonem is an internationally acclaimed artist, celebrated for his vibrant neo-expressionist paintings and installations, particularly his iconic series of bunnies, birds, and butterflies. Inspired by nature and tropical landscapes, Slonem’s work blends bold color with intricate patterns, creating his distinctive style. He is also a preservationist and conservationist, dedicated to protecting wildlife and promoting environmental awareness. His work has been exhibited around the globe, inspiring generations of artists and art lovers alike. 

Viewers can stream the broadcast at www.lpb.org/livetv, on LPB's YouTube channel, or LPB's Facebook page. Learn more about Louisiana Legends and Friends of LPB at www.lpb.org/legends.

The gala is generously supported by our Premier Sponsor, The William J. Doré Family, and Platinum Sponsor, The Stream Family. We also extend our sincere appreciation to our Gala Benefactors, including Paula and Jack de la Bretonne, Bo Harris Wealth Management, Lipsey’s, the Louisiana Lottery, RoyOMartin, Andrea and Wally McMakin, Daniel and Judy Miremont, The Perry Family, and STEM NOLA, whose contributions help make this event possible.

For more information, contact Colleen Spillane, Public Information Officer, Louisiana Public Broadcasting at (225) 767-4453 or 1-800-272-8161 ext. 4453 or by email at cspillane@lpb.org.

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About Louisiana Public Broadcasting
Since 1975, Louisiana Public Broadcasting has been the public television network for the state of Louisiana with stations in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe and Shreveport. LPB is also affiliated with WLAE-TV in New Orleans. In addition to its award-winning documentaries about the history and people of Louisiana, LPB is dedicated to helping children throughout the state develop their literacy, math, and science skills through its numerous educational outreach programs.