Hezekiah Walker to Receive Entertainer’s Key to the City and Hall of Fame Induction
Celebrated gospel artist and community leader Hezekiah Walker will be awarded the prestigious Entertainer’s Key to the City of New York by Mayor Eric Adams on Monday, July 21, 2025. This honor recognizes Walker’s extraordinary influence in music, faith, and civic engagement. Later in the week, on July 25, he will be inducted into the Virginia Union University Gospel Music Hall of Fame during a special ceremony at the Theater at City Tech in Brooklyn.
“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 helps build stronger, more inclusive communities. We are proud to honor him.”
Walker, a legendary gospel artist, songwriter, preacher, and community advocate, has earned numerous accolades throughout his career, including two Grammy Awards. With a discography spanning 15 albums, his signature anthem, “Every Praise,” stands out as a defining contribution to gospel music. The song spent an unprecedented 102 weeks on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart and held the No. 1 spot on the Gospel Airplay chart for 26 consecutive weeks. In 2019, Billboard named “Every Praise” the Gospel Song of the Decade, solidifying its place as one of the genre’s most impactful works.
Beyond music, Walker’s dedication to community uplift is evident through his ongoing efforts to foster development and empowerment. As a pastor and preacher, his messages of hope and resilience have touched lives globally.
In 2013, Walker established the Hezekiah Walker Community Development Corporation to support and revitalize the East New York neighborhood of Brooklyn. Among its initiatives is a nearly completed 10-story, 236-unit affordable housing complex — a landmark project that reflects his enduring commitment to social impact.
With decades of trailblazing achievements, Hezekiah Walker continues to serve as a beacon of inspiration, transformation, and faith — not only in New York City, but around the world.
