“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Nominations Open for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Community Service Awards
The City of Tacoma’s Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC) is now accepting
nominations for the Lifetime Service Award and the Emerging Leader Award for individuals or groups to be
honored for their community service at the 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration on
Monday, Jan. 15, 2024. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023. Find the nomination application here.
Honorees include individuals, groups, or organizations that have demonstrated a meaningful contribution to
serving the community through human rights efforts, commitment to education or sharing of their skills, and
those that embody the legacy of Dr. King’s teachings and actions, to represent people of all color in the
pursuit of hope, healing, and sustainable peace.
“By recognizing the important contributions from these community members and their leadership in
transforming Tacoma, we honor Dr. King’s legacy each year,” said Mayor Victoria Woodards. “Their work and
the uplifting cultural celebration for Dr. King inspires us all as we continue to heal the heart of Tacoma.”
The CERC selects the honorees to receive awards and oversees the annual production of the Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. Birthday Celebration. The event will be held at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, located at
1500 Commerce Street.
“The City’s Events and Recognitions Committee is excited to honor our community by celebrating its rich
diversity, artistic talents, and unwavering strength. Let us come together to build a brighter future for
Tacoma, while simultaneously honoring the legacy of our community. With arts, culture, and conversations of
unity, we can create a strong foundation that will inspire generations to come,” said CERC Chair Jessica
Johnston.
Nominations can be made online here.
Watch the 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Award Celebration
Past Recipients of the MLK Community Service Awards
View a list of prior years' recipients.
Interest in serving on a Tacoma committee, board or commission? Go to www.cityoftacoma.org/servetacoma.