The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force is seeking nominations for the 2018 MLK Youth Community Service Award. The award recognizes youth who exemplify the qualities of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by volunteering in their community.

Nominees must be active in community service and reside or attend school in Southfield or Lathrup Village. Youth must be between the ages of 12-15; 16-18; or 19-21, with 10 awards given to each age group. Nominees should also have: demonstrated courage, compassion, leadership and/or service; engaged in social action and advocacy for the cause of peace and justice; served the needs of humanity through demonstrated efforts in the community; and shown leadership qualities in his/her school, church or community.

To nominate someone, submit an essay (in five sentences or less) stating why you nominate the individual for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Community Service Award. All submissions must include the name, address and telephone number of both the person nominating and the person being nominated. Include any documentation of service such as pictures, certificates or letters. Nominations may be mailed to Sherita Watson, Youth Services Award Chair, P.O. Box 3189, Southfield, MI 48037. All nominations are due by Tuesday, December 11, 2018. The MLK Youth Community Service Awards Ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 3 from 6-8 p.m. at the Southfield Public Library, 26300 Evergreen Road.

The city of Southfield was the first city in the state of Michigan to hold a Dr. King peace walk or march. The first Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk in Southfield took place on January 20, 1986, commemorating the first national observance of Dr. King’s birthday. The 2018 MLK Peace Walk will take place on Monday, January 21 beginning at Hope United Methodist Church at 9:30 a.m., followed by a program at the Southfield Pavilion at 11 a.m.

For more information, call MLK Youth Community Service Award Chair Sherita Watson at (313) 720-6670 or e-mail mlkeduation1929@gmail.com.