Due to forecasted storms, free sand for sandbags is now available at eight City of Phoenix parks.
2026 AZ MLK Awards Nominations Now Open
The Phoenix Human Relations Commission, in collaboration with the City of Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department, the AZ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee, and Arizona OIC, recognizes the accomplishments of Phoenix area residents, including youth, who contributed significantly to creating a compassionate and socially just community. The awards celebration promotes cultural diversity, awareness, and unity for all Arizonans in recognizing the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the contributions he left to the world in his quest for equality for all people.
Submissions for the following categories are now open:
Calvin C. Goode Lifetime Achievement Award
This award recognizes exceptional individuals who have made Phoenix a better place to live through a lifelong dedication to promoting social and economic justice, defending civil rights and enhancing the dignity of all people. Nominations must emulate the lifelong dedication of Calvin C. Goode. In 1994, Calvin C. Goode was the first recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.
In his 22-year tenure with the Phoenix City Council, Goode worked tirelessly to ensure these rights for all residents. Guided by a deeply held belief in equality for all people, his life exemplifies a powerful commitment to improving the quality of life in Phoenix, especially for young people.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Living the Dream Award
This award recognizes individuals who embody the ideas of Dr. King through their continued personal commitment to human relations and social justice.
AZMLK "Drum Major for the Community"
The AZMLK "Drum Mayor for the Community" award recognizes an organization or business that has demonstrated exceptional achievement and commitment to promoting and practicing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) for Phoenix residents, beyond the organizations/businesses’ employment duties, roles, and responsibilities.
Honorees will be recognized on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at the Arizona Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Awards Breakfast.
Deadline to submit is Friday, Sept. 12 by 5:00 p.m.
