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.

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

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