Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board seeks nominations for annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Living the Dream” Award

Fill out nomination form by December 4 to recommend someone who embodies Dr. King’s message of justice for all and displays outstanding commitment to Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board

Posted on 8 November, 2023

The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) is accepting nominations for the 2024 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Living the Dream” Award.

The award honors an individual, business, or community group who has demonstrated dedication and distinguished service to the MPRB. Honorees are recognized for work that embodies Dr. King’s message of justice for all while contributing to the Minneapolis park system.

It’s presented during the annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration at Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, 4055 Nicollet Ave. S, on MLK Day each year. This year the event is scheduled Monday, Jan. 15, 6:30-8 pm.

Nomination Criteria and Form

In the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?” This award recognizes and affirms those who have made significant and tangible contributions to the MPRB:

  • Advocates for a commitment to peace, justice, and reconciliation while following a nonviolent approach to transforming racial, social, and economic injustice
  • Creates venues and opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to come together and create relationships, develop an understanding of differences, and build community
  • Demonstrates extraordinary community service and leadership by providing or promoting recreation that inspires personal growth and healthy lifestyles for all resident(s) and park users
  • Promotes nonviolence while supporting safe places to play, recreate, contemplate, and celebrate in the community
  • Sets an example of leadership in the community and works to improve the lives of others, particularly the underserved, by applying the values of good conduct, respect, integrity, fairness, and dignity

The online nomination form is available at www.minneapolisparks.org/livingthedream2024. A print form is also available: 2024 Living the Dream Nomination Form. Nominations are due Monday, Dec. 4, 2023.

Past Recipients

2023 The Sanneh Foundation
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, Minneapolis City Council Member, Ward 8
2018 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Legacy Council
2017 Jovonta Patton, Singer/Musician
2016 Frank M. White, Retired Recreation Professional 39 years, Founder of “Respect Sports”
2015 Charles E. Mays, Rev., Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Council
2014 Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Arizona Cardinals
2013 Jimmy Longoria, Mentoring Peace Through Art
2012 Rev. Jerry McAfee, New Salem Missionary Baptist Church
2011 Minnesota Twins
2010 Hy Rosen, Executive Director of the Greater Lake Country Food Bank

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