LINC Inc announces keynote speaker for annual milestones dinner

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — LINC, Inc. announced Tuesday that William J. Barber III will serve as the keynote speaker for its 2026 Milestones Dinner.

The dinner will take place on February 16.

Barber is an advocate for climate justice and grassroots-centered community transformation. His keynote address is titled “Purpose is Not Lost, It’s Reclaimed: A Call to Remember Who we are and Who we can Become” and it challenged attendees to rethink how communities define failure and success.

Barber is set to explore two central themes; young people do not fail because they lack talent and purpose is not something handed to people.

“William Barber speaks directly to the moral core of our work and the capital campaign supporting Hisan J. Polk Transformation Academy,” said Brenda Roberts Fong, Board Chair at LINC, Inc. “His message aligns powerfully with LINC’s mission to support youth and divert them from justice-involvement and to engage young people before systems fail them. This evening is about more than inspiration—it’s about accountability and action.”

The annual event brings together civic leaders, advocates, educators, and supporters committee to strengthening pathways to long-term success.