MLK Community Celebration Humanitarian Awards
Individuals or groups that live the idea of MLK Every Day
The Humanitarian Awards elevate groups or individuals of all ages who are largely unrecognized for their innovative service or community outreach in our surrounding area. The awards celebrate those who live the idea of MLK every day as well as who inspire us and incorporate service in their lives in ways that are unexpected or filled with care. All age ranges accepted.
Living MLK Every Day in their mission:
Beloved Community “Our goal is to create a beloved community and. this will require a qualitative change in our souls. as well as a quantitative change in our lives.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
Qualifications
Unrecognized Impact / Unrecognized Champions
Examples of organization that currently serve our community in ways that are well known and recognized include United Way, Catholic Charities, Lutheran Services, and TriCap. We all know and greatly appreciate their contributions and impact.
Innovative Service – Everybody Can Serve and Community Healing
Examples include Grant writing, Organizing events, Fundraising for a Cause, Use of voice to bring attention to injustice (through Social Media, Community Organizing, etc.), Changing the way businesses are run.
Community Outreach
Working with Communities in need (examples include LGBTQ, Advocacy, homelessness, children/youth, sexual assault victims/survivors, Indigenous people, African Americans, Latinx, Somali, Asian, etc.).
Local Focus
Engaging in community outreach/service within Central Minnesota.
Nominations Process
Submitting a nomination
Nomination period has closed
Notifying Award Winners
- Winners will be notified in advance of the event, which takes place on January 15, 2024.
- Winners will be invited to attend the event to accept their award.
Past Recipients
2023
- Lyda Avila – as a change agent for health equity who thinks outside of the box to find solutions to complex social issues, and a well-known resource within the Latinx community and beyond.
- Sangeeta Jha – for her work as a social justice advocate, educator, mentor, and leader who organizes communities by creating programming, facilitating discussions, encouraging creativity, and building future leaders.
2022
- Dennis Whipple – for his foundational vision, passion, and leadership at GREAT Theatre, and building an engaging theater aimed at being inclusive
- Feeding Area Children Together (FACT) – for their work to feed children in central Minnesota and bridge the gap for students on weekends and breaks from school
- Florence Orionzi – as a leader, a mentor, and an inspiration in the community through her work in education, cultural transition, and immigrant support
- Keshia Anderson-King – for her caring, devoted, and “above and beyond” efforts to provide basic needs and supportive services to families in the community
2021
- Arvis Stubbs – for her work giving back to others in need, and her inspiration of others to get involved and make a difference in the community in practical ways
- James Turner – as an advocate for meaningful and constructive change in institutions, and his work with youth, their families, and senior citizens to improve their status and wellbeing
- Michael Nistler – for his unique approach to inspiring conversations that invite critical reflections on issues of racism, bias, prejudice, and equity
- Robert Johnson – as a long-time mentor of a new generation of leaders within the St. Cloud area and a community organizer
- Cloud Prepper Pals – as a group of volunteers dedicated to being a resource network to get essential food and hygiene items delivered to those in need
