Dear colleagues,

This is a brief reminder that MIT MLK Leadership Award nominations are due on Monday, October 30. We are looking forward to celebrating the honorees with extra excitement, as this year is the 50th anniversary of our celebration!

This year we will honor the MLK Leadership Award winners on Thursday, February 15, 2024, with a ceremony followed by a reception. More information will be coming soon. 

Please see the President's original communication below, and reach out to us at mitmlkcelebration@mit.edu with any questions.

Warmly,

Rianna Allen-Charles and Zina Queen

On behalf of the MIT Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Planning Committee

From: Sally Kornbluth 
Date: Wednesday, September 27, 2023 
Subject: Seeking nominations: MLK Leadership Awards and staff speaker

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Dear members of the MIT community,

Each year, the MIT community gathers to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In 2024, we’ll reach an important milestone: the Institute’s 50th MLK celebration!

In the past, there have been wonderful lunches and brunches, but this year we’ll celebrate with an evening gala on Saturday, February 17, 2024. A team of MIT community members is also planning special activities to mark the occasion, all inspired by words from Dr. King that resonate powerfully in our community: "We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education."

As we look forward to celebrating together, I encourage you to

• Make nominations for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award 
  This award honors members of our community who, in the spirit of Dr. King, lift us up and bring us together – whether they are students, alumni, staff or faculty, pursuing their goals as individuals or in groups.
  
   
• Suggest a staff voice for the celebration 
  Along with the student speakers and keynote, the MLK Leadership Awards program will once again feature a staff speaker nominated by the MIT community. I encourage you to nominate a staff member to speak who embodies the integrity, values and vision of Dr. King.

Please submit your nominations by Monday, October 30.

If you would like to be notified when registration for the celebration begins, please subscribe to the ICEO mailing list.

And stay tuned for details about special activities, coming soon.

I’m delighted to join you in celebrating 50 years of honoring Dr. King. See you in February!

Sincerely,

Sally Kornbluth 
President

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Awards

The award is given annually to students, alumni, staff and faculty whose service embodies the spirit of Dr. King’s work. Typically, five or six individuals or groups are recognized each year.

Who is eligible?

MIT undergraduate and graduate students, graduates, alumni, staff and faculty are eligible for nomination for this award. Both individuals and groups, including living groups and student and professional associations, may be considered.

Service to the community is defined in the broadest sense and includes academic, research, religious and secular contributions in which integrity, leadership, creativity and positive outcomes are apparent.

How do I submit a nomination?

If you wish to nominate a person or organization, please submit your nomination for a Leadership Award by October 30, 2023.

Members of the MLK Celebration Committee will select the awardees.

When will the winners be announced?

Recipients will be announced at MIT’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. event on Saturday, February 17, 2024.

For more information

Please visit the MLK Leadership Awards website or write to mitmlkcelebration@mit.edu.