About this Event
Join us for the 51st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Luncheon as we celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and recognize those making a difference in our community.
For more than five decades, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Luncheon has brought our community together to honor the life, work, and enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Presented by the City of Bloomington and Town of Normal Human Relations Commissions, this annual celebration recognizes local adults and youth whose service, leadership, and commitment to others reflect the principles exemplified by Dr. King.
2027 Keynote Speaker
Dr. Deanna Brown-Thomas
President, The James Brown Family Foundation
Humanitarian • Entrepreneur • Daughter of the Legendary James Brown
Dr. Brown-Thomas carries forward a remarkable legacy of community service, education, and empowerment. Through her work with the James Brown Family Foundation and other initiatives, she continues the commitment of her father, legendary entertainer and humanitarian James Brown, to uplifting young people and strengthening communities.
Join us for an inspiring afternoon as we:
- Celebrate the 2027 MLK Award recipients
- Recognize outstanding service and leadership in our community
- Hear an inspiring keynote message from Dr. Deanna Brown-Thomas
- Connect with community members and leaders
- Reflect on Dr. King’s vision of service, justice, unity, and opportunity
As we enter our 51st year, we celebrate not only the history of this longstanding community tradition, but also the people who continue to turn Dr. King’s ideals into action.
Saturday, January 16, 2027
Illinois State University – Bone Student Center Ballroom
We look forward to celebrating the 51st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Luncheon with you!
Event venue & nearby stays
ISU Brown Ballroom, 100 N. University St, Normal, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.