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The Tamara D. Grigsby Office for Equity and Inclusion

City-County Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award

 

Black and White photo of Martin Luther King Jr.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award is presented annually to the person or persons who have demonstrated leadership and volunteerism while making significant contributions in the areas of:  promoting peace, understanding, and improving communication & cooperation between diverse populations in Dane County.

Nominate a youth, emerging leader, and/or adult or group of people who have made outstanding and significant contributions in the spirit of sisterhood, brotherhood, and harmony toward making our community an ideal place in which to live. 

To nominate, please submit an application one of the following ways:

 

Nominations for 2026 are due by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 7, 2025.

(If mailing, please allow at least 7 days for delivery.)

 

You are invited to nominate individuals in the following categories:

  • Youth Leader (ages 13–17)
  • Emerging Leader (ages 18–25)
  • Adult Humanitarian (age 18+)

Awards are presented annually at the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, which will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Application

Youth Leaders (13+) Criteria

  1. Young adults who have demonstrated the principles of Dr. King for at least two or more years;
  2. Have shown visible and continuing leadership in one or more of the following areas: education, religion, civil rights, community or civic services;
  3. Have not previously received this award;
  4. Currently not a member of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award Commission;
  5. Not currently running for office;
  6. City or County Resident.

Emerging Leaders (18-25) Criteria

  1. Young adults who have demonstrated the principles of Dr. King for at least three or more years;
  2. Have shown visible and continuing leadership in one or more of the following areas: education, religion, civil rights, community or civic services;
  3. Have not previously received this award;
  4. Currently not a member of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award Commission;
  5. Not currently running for office;
  6. City or County Resident.

Humanitarian (18+) Criteria

  1. Adults actively identified with the Dane County area for at least five years;
  2. Have shown visible and continuing leadership in one or more of the following areas: education, religion, civil rights, politics, community or civic services;
  3. Have not previously received this award;
  4. Currently not a member of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award Commission;
  5. Not currently running for office;
  6. City or County Resident.

Members of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award Commission will independently rank the nominees. Results will be compared and award recipients will be chosen collectively by the Mayor, County Executive and Commission members.

 

Nomination form
 
 

 

 

 

Award Honorees

2022      2023     2024     2025

 

 

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

– Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.