Bloomington, Indiana – The Bloomington Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission is once again calling on the community to honor those who embody the spirit of Dr. King’s message. The Commission is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Award, an honor that recognizes individuals, organizations, or businesses whose actions and service reflect Dr. King’s enduring values of justice, equality, and compassion.
Nominations must be submitted online by December 1, 2025, through the city’s official nomination portal at bton.in/26legacy. Eligible nominees must either be residents of Monroe County or organizations that have been serving the local community for at least one year. The recipient of the 2026 award will be recognized at Bloomington’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, a free public event that takes place every January and welcomes residents from all backgrounds.
“The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission works to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy by promoting diversity and advocating for justice and racial harmony within the Bloomington community,” said Dr. Gloria Howell, who serves on the Commission.
The Legacy Award stands as one of the city’s most meaningful recognitions, shining a light on those whose daily efforts continue the work Dr. King began — breaking barriers, fostering understanding, and advancing the ideals of peace and fairness. Past recipients include a mix of dedicated individuals and influential organizations such as Beverly Calender-Anderson, Sarah McCue, Nancy Cross-Harris, Jeanetta Nelms, Marvin Q. Jones, Bloomington United, Nicole Griffin, the Indiana University Office of Diversity Education, the Rev. E.D. Butler, the Banneker History Project, Elizabeth Mitchell, the Monroe County Racial Justice Task Force, and Guy and Connie Loftman.
Each of these honorees has contributed in distinct ways — from community organizing and educational outreach to policy advocacy and historical preservation — reflecting the many paths through which Dr. King’s vision continues to inspire local action.
In addition to overseeing the Legacy Award, the Commission leads several other initiatives that honor Dr. King’s philosophy of service. These include Martin Luther King Jr. Day volunteer events, the 40 Days of Peace initiative, and the annual King Birthday Celebration, which brings together community members, civic leaders, and students to reaffirm their commitment to equity and inclusion.
As Bloomington prepares for the 2026 celebration, Commission members hope the call for nominations will encourage residents to reflect on those who have made a lasting difference. Their aim is not only to recognize individual achievement but also to remind the community of Dr. King’s powerful message — that progress begins with each person’s willingness to act for justice.
For questions or additional information, residents may contact Michelle Moss, Staff Liaison for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission, at [email protected] or by calling 812-349-3433.
