DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION

The City of Tacoma’s Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC) announces the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, taking place on Monday, January 19, 2026. The event will include the presentation of the Lifetime Service Award, honoring Uncle Boy Chun Fook, and the Emerging Leader Award, recognizing JD Davis. In addition to these honors, the celebration will feature a dynamic program once again hosted by Kwabi Amoah-Forson and a community outreach fair. The program begins at 1 p.m. at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center (GTCC), located at 1500 Commerce St., Tacoma.

This year’s theme, Community in Service: A Path to Action, celebrates how we come together, each doing our part to serve and uplift our community. Building on recent themes of collaboration and collective purpose, this year’s focus recognizes the everyday acts of service that strengthen Tacoma. Through stories and performances, the program will highlight individuals and organizations who show that service is not only a value, but a pathway that calls each of us to meaningful action. The theme encourages attendees to reflect on how their own contributions, big or small, can advance Dr. King’s legacy of justice, unity, and community care.

Local organizations may apply to participate in the community outreach fair, taking place in the GTCC lobby at 11 a.m. The fair offers selected organizations an opportunity to share resources, showcase their missions, and connect directly with attendees.

The CERC oversees the planning and production of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration, including the selection of honorees for the annual awards.

“CERC is honored to celebrate the individuals who strengthen our community through service,” said Cydney Stephens, CERC Sub-Committee Chair. “This year’s theme reminds us that every act of care, large or small, moves Tacoma forward. Together, we can continue building that connected and compassionate community, turning Dr. King’s legacy into daily action.”