Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
About the Celebration
Each year, the City’s Events & Recognitions Committee accepts nominations for individuals or groups that exemplify Dr. King’s teaching and action in community service. Nominees should share Dr. King’s legacy and 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.”
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.
The City’s Events & Recognitions Committee selects the honorees to receive awards and oversees the annual production of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.
Nominations Open for the Community Service Awards
The City of Tacoma’s Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC) is now accepting nominations for Tacoma community members to be honored for their service at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in January 2026. The deadline for nominations in the categories of the Lifetime Service Award (groups, organizations, and individuals eligible) and the Emerging Leader Award (individuals) is Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Nominate TodayFor more information about the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, including eligibility requirements, the nomination process, or to request translation services, visit tacomavenues.org or email communityevents@tacoma.gov.