The cities of Champaign and Urbana will unite with Champaign County, the Village of Rantoul, Parkland College and the University to host the 25th annual celebration in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
The ceremony is set for Jan. 18 and will begin at 5 p.m. at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Organizers will award three community members or organizations that exemplify King Jr’s legacy of service and leadership.
Organizers are encouraging the community to submit nominations for three awards: the James R. Burgess Jr./Susan Freiburg Humanitarian Award, the Doris Hoskins Prestigious Community Service Award and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Outstanding Achievement Award.
The James R. Burgess Jr./Susan Freiburg Humanitarian Award honors individuals’ humanitarian efforts and contributions to individuals in need and will be awarded at the ceremony.
The recipient of the Doris Hoskins Prestigious Community Service Award will also be announced at the ceremony. The award honors those working to improve the well-being of Champaign County.
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The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Outstanding Achievement Award honors individuals or organizations committed to advancing King’s vision of equal rights for all, regardless of race, religion, economic status or physical and mental ability.
Award winners from 2025 include Tracy Dace, executive director for Driven to Reach Academic Achievement for Males program, former Parkland College counselor Donna Tanner-Harold and equal rights advocate Terry Townsend.
Nominations are open through Dec 10. For more information or to nominate a candidate, visit the City of Champaign’s website.
