Date & Time
Monday, January 15, 2024
6:30-8:00 pm
Location
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, 4055 Nicollet Ave. S, Minneapolis MN 55409
Citywide Events and Programs
Annual tributes to Dr. King’s life and legacy take place at several park locations throughout the day, including an evening celebration at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center with speakers, live entertainment and the presentation of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s Living the Dream award.
Food Drive
The 14th Annual Food Drive takes place at various Park Board Recreation Centers and Buildings. This years beneficiaries are YouthLink and Avenues For Youth.
2024 Program Lineup
Emcee
Chad Jackson
Director, Brand Partnership
Development – Minnesota Twins,
Board Chair – Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Verna Cornelia Price
Co-Founder/President, The Power of People Leadership Institute
2024 Living the Dream Award Winner
Walter “Q Bear” Banks Jr.
DJ and Operations Manager at KMOJ FM radio station
Musical Performance
NUNNABOVE
The Next Generation of the Minneapolis Sound
Living The Dream Award
This award is the highlight of MPRB’s annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. It honors individuals and organizations who have made significant and tangible contributions to the visions, goals, and strategies of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and to residents of Minneapolis. “Living the Dream” honorees embody Dr. King’s message of justice for all and commitment to community, and their actions reflect his teachings and legacy.
If you are interested in nominating someone, please fill out the online nomination form or a print copy is available here as well.
Award Recipients
2023 The Sanneh Foundation, Empower kids. Improve lives. Unite communities.
2022 Willie B. Jasper, Beloved Matriarch in the North Commons Community
2021 Jamal Guy, CEO – Flipside, Community Volunteer, Basketball Trainer
and Stephen Slater, President – JLR Foundation, President – S4 Design
2020 Lynn Crockett, Community Leader, Volunteer
2019 Andrea Jenkins, City Councilmember – Ward 8
2018 Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Legacy Council
2017 Jovonta Patton, Singer/Musician
2016 Frank M. White, Retired Recreation Professional 39 years, Founder – “Respect Sports”
2015 Charles E. Mays, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Council
2014 Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Arizona Cardinals
2013 Jimmy Longoria, Mentoring Peace Through Art
2012 Reverend Jerry McAfee, New Salem Missionary Baptist Church
2011 Minnesota Twins
2010 Hy Rosen, Executive Director – Greater Lake Country Food Bank
Citywide Events and Programs
Lower South/Southwest
Sibley: Unity in Colors: A Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration
Powderhorn: MLK Jr. Celebration
MLK: Rev. Dr. MLK Celebration
Upper South
East Phillips: MLK Day Trivia!
East Phillips: MLK Day: Storyteller
East Phillips: MLK Day: Use Your Voice
East Phillips: Youthline Celebrate Beautiful Skin Tones
East Phillips: Youthline Color In a Martin Luther King Jr. Quote
Matthews: MLK Day: Storyteller
Brackett: MLK Day: Storytime and Crafts
Peavey: Youthline MLK Crack an Egg
Peavey: Youthline MLK Footsteps
North
Farview: MLK I Have a Dream- Book Making
North Commons: MLK I Am the Dream- Apparel Making
Northeast/Southeast
Luxton: MLK Day Cooking Class with Ms. Pat
Van Cleve: MLK: Know your CIVIL rights!
Bottineau: MLK: Know your CIVIL rights!
Logan: MLK: Know your CIVIL rights!