Editor’s note: This is a republication of our 2025 Delaware Most Influential project. The project returns March 22 with the first 2026 honorees. Visit www.delawareonline.com/life/delaware-most-influential/to see the 2026 project after March 22.

Charlotte King, founder of the Southern Delaware Alliance for Social Justice

In 2015, philanthropist Charlotte King, a New York native, founded the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice to address the underrepresentation of Black residents in Sussex County’s public and private sectors. Although SDARJ primarily focuses on issues impacting Black Americans facing systemic barriers, its membership, volunteers and governing board reflect the broader Sussex community.