State MLK Commission Seeks Nominations for Awards

Nominations are being sought for awards honoring Ohioans who carry on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards honoring such individuals and organizations will be given at the 2014 Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration being held Jan. 16 at Trinity Episcopal Church, Columbus.

Nominations are due to the commission by Sept. 1.

The awards and their criteria are as follows:

Governor’s Humanitarian Award criteria: The recipient of this award gives their time and service freely to those in need without question and often without recognition. This award honors quiet soldiers who promote the welfare of humanity and elimination of pain and suffering through their own selfless service. The recipient must act independently of associations and organizations.

Community Building Award criteria: This recipient has made significant contributions toward building a sense of unity among Ohioans. The recipient has demonstrated the ability to build safer communities through various activities and programs that help to revitalize areas and serves the community beyond his or her regular job responsibilities.

Cultural Awareness Award criteria: This recipient has demonstrated an appreciation for diversity and evidenced skill in building and maintaining harmonious cross-cultural relationships. The recipient’s achievements must foster King’s vision of unity among people of diverse cultural backgrounds.

Economic Opportunity Award criteria: This recipient seeks to improve the quality of life for citizens in economically challenged areas through economic-incentive programs. The recipient has demonstrated accomplishments in one or more of the following areas:

• workforce development programs;
• upgrading skills of existing workforce;
• infrastructure improvements;
• creation of community partnerships;
• housing assistance programs;
• energy efficiency programs;
• environmental programs;
• encouragement of new business startups;
• or the ability to take advantage of state and federal aid to provide economic opportunity.

Educational Excellence Award criteria: This recipient recognizes the personal commitment and example that King provided for academic achievement. Therefore, the recipient has demonstrated a personal commitment to scholarship and/or attainment of educational goals despite significant barriers or obstacles. The recipient also has demonstrated outstanding accomplishments in eradicating systemic barriers that impede the attainment of academic excellence.

Health and Equity Award criteria: This recipient must offer community outreach and educational programs for an under-served population in the state. Such services must increase the accessibility of health care for the under-served while providing a high quality of customer service. Critical issues in achieving health equity and awareness include provisions for drug treatment, HIV testing, health screenings, prenatal care, pediatric care and prescription programs for the uninsured/underinsured.

Social Justice Award criteria: This recipient has made significant contributions toward achieving justice for individuals or communities. The recipient may have contributed through the legal, legislative and governmental systems as they apply to the more vulnerable elements of our society. The recipient has engaged in activities that embrace King’s commitment to non-violence while fostering social justice.

Youth: Capturing the Vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award criteria: This recipient must be younger than age 21 on Sept. 1, 2014, and must exemplify leadership, commitment to excellence and inter-racial cooperation. The recipient also must demonstrate an adherence to one or more of Dr. King’s principles of non-violent social change of information gathering, education, negotiation, personal commitment, direct action and reconciliation.

This award ceremony is sponsored by the Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission, which is housed in the Equal Opportunity Division of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS).

To obtain more information and a nomination form, visit the website of the Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission at das.ohio.gov/eod/mlk or contact Bobbi Bell of the DAS Equal Opportunity Division at 614.466.8380 or [email protected].

State MLK Commission Seeks Nominations for Awards