Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebrations
Date & Time
Monday, January 19, 2026
6:30-8 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
Accepting non-perishable food items benefiting YouthLink and Avenues for Youth.
2026 Program Lineup
Emcee
Tim Dumas
Keynote Speaker
Kenneth Foxworth
2026 Living the Dream Award Winner
Cynthia Bryant
Performing Artists
Known MPLS
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.
Award Recipients
2026 Cynthia Bryant
2025 Derreck Robinson, Community Member
2024 Walter “Q Bear” Banks Jr. DJ and Operations Manager at KMOJ FM radio station.
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
2026 information coming soon
Sweets at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Dancers at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Attendees at a Cultural Performance at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Speaker at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Attendees Enjoying the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Awards Given at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Evening Celebration at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center
Youth Learn African Drumming at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Celebration Includes Speakers and Live Entertainment
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center
Attendees Performing at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
MLK Celebration at Several Park Locations Throughout the Day
Attendees at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Youth Attendees at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Park Board Announcements
There are no announcements at this time. Please check back soon.