Nominations Open for 2027 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Awards

The City of Tacoma’s Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC) is now accepting nominations for Tacoma community members to be recognized for their service at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in January 2027.

Individuals can be nominated for the Emerging Leader Award; groups, organizations, and individuals can be nominated for the Lifetime Service Award.

Eligible honorees have demonstrated a meaningful contribution to serving the community through human rights efforts, commitment to education, or sharing of their skills. Nominees should embody the legacy of Dr. King’s teachings and actions, representing people of all backgrounds in the pursuit of hope, healing, and sustainable peace.

Recent honorees include F. Jerome “JD” Davis, Uncle Boy Chun Fook, Brian Gatewood Sr., Shawn Durnen, Gloria Joy Kazuko Muhammad, and Lisa Mathusz. These individuals represent a wide range of leadership, service, and advocacy that reflects Dr. King’s vision of hope, justice, and opportunity for all.

CERC oversees the annual production of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and will thoughtfully review and select the 2027 honorees. The event will be held Monday, Jan. 18, 2027, at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, 1500 Commerce Street.

The Celebration will also feature live performances by local artists, a community outreach fair, and the opportunity to gather with neighbors, civic leaders, and local organizations. Last year’s program can be viewed online, courtesy of TV Tacoma.

Visit the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration website to submit nominations. For more information, including eligibility requirements, the nomination process, or to request translation services, visit tacomavenues.org or email communityevents@tacoma.gov.