“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The City of Tacoma’s Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC) is now accepting nominations for the Lifetime Service Award for groups and individuals and the Emerging Leader Award for individuals to be honored for their community service at the 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in January 2025. The deadline for nominations is Monday, October 28, 2024. 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.
"Each year, as we recognize the invaluable contributions of these community leaders in transforming Tacoma, we honor Dr. King's enduring legacy," said Mayor Victoria Woodards. "Their work, along with the uplifting celebration of Dr. King, continues to inspire and guide us in creating a stronger Tacoma."
The CERC selects the honorees to receive awards and oversees the annual production of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. The event will be held at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, located at 1500 Commerce Street.
Nominations can be made online
here. For more information about the 36th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, including eligibility requirements and the
nomination process, visit the tacomavenues.org website or email
communityevents@cityoftacoma.org.
About the City’s Events and Recognitions Committee
The City’s Events and Recognitions Committee serves as an advisory and action committee on matters pertaining to City-hosted events and special recognition programs. Members are responsible for planning, reviewing, and evaluating events, engaging the community in its planning efforts, and soliciting corporate and private sponsorships to leverage funds for City-hosted events such as City of Destiny and the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration.
Watch the 2024 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.