Community members and King County employees are invited to join in honoring our nation’s foremost human rights leader and King County’s namesake, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The theme for the 2023 Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is “Truth, Light and Hope” and the accompanying quote is “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.   

The 2023 Larry Gossett Service Award nomination is now open.

The Larry Gossett Service Award recognizes and affirms an individual or organization that has made significant contributions in the areas of racial equity, social justice, and/or human rights.  

You can see the award criteria and submit a nomination on the award website. The nomination deadline is Nov. 28, 2022 and the winner will be announced at the annual celebration.

The 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 12, from noon to 1 p.m., and will be broadcast virtually by KCTV. King County employees and community members will be able to access the event link on our event website on Jan. 12.  

The 2023 Celebration keynote speakers, guests, performances, and information on when and how to order 2023 calendars will be announced soon. A digital version of the calendar will also be made available.  

For more information, please contact Michael Padilla, mpadillaocampo@kingcounty.gov.