West Virginia
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Holiday Commission

The Martin Luther King, Jr. West Virginia Holiday Commission is seeking nominees for the “Living the Dream” awards to be presented as part of the 18th national Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday observance. The public is invited to nominate candidates for the awards. The holiday will be celebrated on January 19, 2009.

These are five awards given to individuals who best exemplify, through action or personal traits, the principles and ideals characterizing King in his pursuit of social change. Any person, regardless of race, color or creed, may be nominated for the following categories:

• An advocate of peace, a person who has been an advocate of social change in a non-violent way.
• Sharing of self, a person who has rendered to others in the public or private sector.
• Human and civil rights, a person who has been actively involved in the pursuit of equality for others. This person should be an advocate for social change.
• Scholarship, a person who has made significant contributions in the area of education.
• Governor’s Living the Dream Award, a person who best exemplifies all of the characteristics of justice, scholarship, sharing of self, human and civil rights and advocacy of peace.

Also, the Commission recognizes up to three State service organizations for placement on the Living the Dream Service Organization Honor Roll. Qualifying organizations must have demonstrated one or more of the principles for which Dr. King stood: the promotion of human and civil rights, providing assistance to under-served communities, promotion of tolerance, and resolving conflict in a non-violent manner.

Letters of nomination for individuals or organizations must be postmarked by December 4, 2008. The letters must be less than two pages and give specific examples of why the nominee should be recognized. A biography of the nominee must also be included. Documentation in the form of clippings, testimonials or excerpts from other printed materials by or about the candidate may be included to support the nomination. Applications must include the name of the person submitting the nomination, as well as an address and daytime phone number.

Send nominations and supporting information to: “Living the Dream” Awards, Martin Luther King Jr. West Virginia Holiday Commission, c/o West Virginia Division of Culture and History, The Cultural Center, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E, Charleston, 25305.

For more information, call 558-0220.

2008 Living the Dream award winners
2007 Living the Dream Award winners
2006 Living the Dream Award winners
2005 Living the Dream Award winners
2004 Living the Dream Award winners

Read the past winning essays, view the posters and see all the winners.
Download the booklets (PDF format).

2007 memorial awards booklet
2005 memorial awards booklet