Tacoma residents can nominate neighbors for the city's 2027 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Service Awards through Tuesday, Oct. 27.

The city's Events and Recognitions Committee (CERC) announced the open nominations Sept. 22. Two categories are available: the Emerging Leader Award, open to individuals, and the Lifetime Service Award, open to individuals, groups and organizations. Nominees must have contributed to their community through human rights efforts, commitment to education or sharing of their skills.

Past recipients include Uncle Boy Chun Fook, who received the Lifetime Service Award at the 2026 celebration, along with F. Jerome "JD" Davis, Brian Gatewood Sr., Shawn Durnen, Gloria Joy Kazuko Muhammad and Lisa Mathusz.

The annual celebration is set for Monday, Jan. 18, 2027, at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center, 1500 Commerce St. A community outreach fair starts at 11 a.m., and the main celebration begins at 1 p.m. Free parking is available.

Nominations can be submitted on the CERC event page. For translation services or eligibility questions, email [email protected].