The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Awards are given annually to students, community members, staff, and faculty whose service embodies the spirit of Dr. King’s work. Washington State University (WSU) recognizes individuals and groups who demonstrate a commitment to the principles of equality, diversity, inclusion, and social justice. These awards honor those who actively work towards creating a Beloved Community—a society built on justice, equality, and mutual respect.
Award Categories
Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Excellence Award
About Bayard Rustin: Bayard Rustin was an American civil rights leader best known for serving as an advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and organizing pivotal events like the Freedom Rides, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the March on Washington. As an openly gay man, Rustin often worked behind the scenes due to societal prejudices of the time. His mentorship and advocacy for nonviolent civil resistance significantly influenced the civil rights movement. After key legislative victories like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Rustin dedicated himself to human rights and LGBTQ+ rights.
This award recognizes an individual and/or group who embody Rustin’s spirit by:
- Operating as advocates/activists for equity, inclusion, and social justice, and/or
- Working toward the advancement of the LGBTQ+ community.
Elson and Carmento Floyd & William and Felicia Gaskins Distinguished Service Awards
This award recognizes individuals or groups that have excelled in advancing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the Beloved Community at the interpersonal, departmental, or institutional level. The award honors those who actively work towards creating a society built on justice, equality, mutual respect, and love for one another. Awards will be given in the following categories:
- Faculty Member
- Staff Member
- Student
- Community Member
These awards recognize individuals who have:
- Demonstrated a sustained commitment to fostering unity, understanding, and cooperation among diverse groups within Washington State University and/or the surrounding communities.
- Created environments that promote compassion, inclusivity, and mutual respect, reflecting the principles of the Beloved Community.
- Actively engaged in initiatives, projects, or programs that bridge divides, address social injustices, and contribute to the well-being of all community members.
- Consistently modeled nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution and advocated for systemic changes that promote equity and justice.
Eligibility and Nomination Criteria
All WSU faculty, staff, students, and community members are eligible for the Legacy Awards, including living groups and student and professional organizations. Specifically, nominees must have a demonstrated, longstanding commitment to Dr. King’s principles and ideals of freedom, equality, justice, liberty, individuality, and respect and have furthered the university’s commitment to these principles and ideals. Self-nominations are not accepted, and the submission deadline is December 20, 2024.