Nominations Sought for MLK Unsung Hero Award Recipients

Each year, Syracuse University hosts the largest MLK Jr. Celebration held on any college campus. As part of the program, several community members who embody the spirit of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will receive Unsung Hero Awards.

The celebration seeks to honor the life and legacy of individuals who exemplify the spirit, life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. yet have not received widespread recognition or been previously honored for their efforts. These individuals represent a direct expression of Syracuse University’s commitment to fostering and supporting a university welcoming to all.

If you know an individual who should be honored and celebrated, please consider nominating them for recognition at the 2025 celebration. Nominations must be a minimum of 250 words and a maximum of 500 words. The nomination should be a written explanation of how the nominee embodies Dr. King’s legacy, and what makes them an Unsung Hero. Last year’s recipients included Syracuse community members, and Syracuse University faculty, students and staff.

Nominations may be made in any of the following categories:

• youth/teen from Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cayuga or Cortland counties
• adult from Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cayuga or Cortland counties
• currently enrolled student at Syracuse University or SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF)
• faculty or staff from Syracuse University or SUNY ESF

Nominations are due by Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

The 2025 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will take place on Jan. 26, 2025, in the JMA Wireless Dome. Further information will be announced in the coming weeks at mlk.syr.edu.

Questions regarding the Unsung Hero Awards can be directed to Hendricks Chapel at chapel@syr.edu.