The City of Tacoma will host its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Monday, January 20, 2025, at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center (GTCC), located at 1500 Commerce St. This event, organized by the City’s Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC), will celebrate the legacy of Dr. King while honoring individuals who embody his vision of service and leadership. The program begins at 1:00 p.m. and will include the presentation of the Lifetime Service Award to Shawn Durnen and the Emerging Leader Award to Brian Gatewood.
This year’s theme, Building Bridges, highlights the importance of unity and collaboration in fostering positive change. The program will feature stories of individuals and organizations that have successfully worked across differences to create meaningful connections and strengthen the community. By focusing on how bridges—both literal and metaphorical—can unite people, the event seeks to inspire attendees to commit to building a more inclusive and harmonious Tacoma. The theme builds on last year’s focus, A Community Blueprint: Building Block by Block, emphasizing collective action and shared purpose.
In addition to the program, the event will include a community outreach fair in the GTCC lobby starting at 11:00 a.m. The fair provides local organizations with the opportunity to showcase their missions and share valuable resources with attendees. Applications for participation in the fair are open to organizations and are due by Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Interested groups can find additional information on the application page.
CERC, which oversees the planning and execution of the celebration, also selects the recipients of the annual awards. The committee serves as an advisory and action group for City-hosted events, special event funding, and recognition programs. Its members are responsible for planning, reviewing, and evaluating events such as the City of Destiny Awards and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. In organizing this event, the committee aims to honor Tacoma’s diversity, celebrate its artistic and cultural contributions, and inspire future generations to carry forward Dr. King’s vision of equity and justice.
“The City’s Events and Recognitions Committee is excited to honor our community by celebrating its rich diversity, artistic talents, and unwavering strength. Let us come together to build a brighter future for Tacoma, while simultaneously honoring the legacy of our community. With arts, culture, and conversations of unity, we can create a strong foundation that will inspire generations to come,” said CERC Chair Jessica Johnston.
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration has long been a cornerstone of Tacoma’s commitment to recognizing and promoting community service, leadership, and collaboration. By honoring individuals like Shawn Durnen and Brian Gatewood, the event spotlights those who dedicate their time and energy to improving the lives of others and fostering connections within the community. These awards reflect the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy, encouraging others to take action and contribute to a more just and equitable society.
For more information about the celebration, including event details and application materials for the community outreach fair, visit tacomavenues.org or email communityevents@cityoftacoma.org.