The Bloomington-Normal NAACP is looking for nominations for the 2016 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards. (Courtesy Bloomington-Normal NAACP)
By Andy Dahn
BLOOMINGTON – Normal’s Human Relations Commission is seeking adult and youth nominees for the 2016 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards.
Takesha Stokes took home the Adult Human Relations Award last year. She said the commission is looking for nominees who stand up and speak out for groups that are sometimes unrepresented.
“Nominations will be evaluated based on the nominees commitment to improving relationships in the community,” Stokes said. “We are also looking for those who are fostering mutual respect among people of different cultures, races, religions, incomes, personal preferences or abilities.”
Nominations are being accepted until Dec. 4. More information and nomination forms can be found on Normal and Bloomington’s official websites. The awards will be presented at the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Luncheon on Saturday, Jan. 16 at the Uptown Normal Marriott Hotel.
Local law enforcement officials will participate in a panel discussion at the event. Stokes said while local police forces continue to work with the community to battle diversity and improve relationships with the public, there are plenty of other ways that the two sides can work together to bridge the gap.
“We can continue to partner with our local law enforcement agencies,” said Stokes. “The NAACP has a great relationship with Bloomington, Normal and ISU Police Departments. We are trying to combat some of the negative stereotypes that are associated with police officers and minority communities.”
Andy Dahn can be reached at andy.dahn@cumulus.com.
