City of Tempe, AZ
Home MenuMartin Luther King, Jr. Diversity Awards
The MLK Diversity Awards honor people who demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and who exemplify the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year's program honors people and organizations, including students, who work to make Dr. King's dream a reality. The MLK Diversity Awards are hosted by the City of Tempe and the Human Relations Commission.
Event Details
Doors open: 7:30 a.m.
Program: 8 to 10 a.m.
Monday, Jan. 13, 2025
Marriott Buttes Resort
2000 W. Westcourt Way, Tempe
Honorees
Tempe Union High School District – Superintendents Office
The Tempe Union High School District is recognized for nurturing a safe, inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds feel valued and diverse voices are heard and respected.
Community Organization
Downtown Tempe Authority
The Downtown Tempe Authority is a private nonprofit organization that partners with the City of Tempe to enhance the value of the Mill Avenue District. The organization is being recognized for its ongoing public celebrations of multiculturalism, inclusivity and courage in challenging bigotry.
Business Organization
Arizona Informant
The Arizona Informant Newspaper is the only African-American owned weekly newspaper in Arizona. Publishing since 1971, the Arizona Informant subscribes to the credo that all are hurt as long as anyone is held back.
Education
Mountain Pointe Theater – Disney’s Descendants Musical Cast
The Mountain Pointe Theatre cast of Disney’s Descendants is being recognized for their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community building. Featuring a diverse cast of students from all backgrounds, the production embraced themes of belonging and acceptance, inspiring younger audience members to see themselves reflected on stage.
Individual Youth
Advait Rajan
Advait Rajan is being recognized for their commitment to social justice through efforts to improve healthcare access for refugees, register thousands of young voters, and support for the unhoused, all while managing the demands of being a pre-med student. Through leadership roles with organizations like RISE, REACT, and New Voters, Adi has made a meaningful impact on their community.
Keynote Speaker
Neal A. Lester, PhD, is Foundation Professor of English and Founding Director of the multiple award-winning Project Humanities initiative at Arizona State University. With expertise in African American literature and culture, Dr. Lester has authored or edited eight books and myriad essays and chapters. Dr. Lester taught the first college course on the Nword in the United States.
His expertise on cultural appropriation, on everyday lessons in privilege and bias, and on humanities and entrepreneurship is nationally and internationally recognized. He is an award-winning teacher and popular radio guest, moderator, and panelist.
In January 2022, Dr. Lester received Arizona State University’s inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Servant-Leadership Faculty Award, an accolade that follows other such MLK recognitions from the City of Tempe, the City of Phoenix and the Town of Paradise Valley.
Tickets and Sponsorships
Single Ticket - $10
Community Sponsorship - $250 includes a table of seats and recognition
Advocacy Sponsorship - $1,000 includes five seats and recognition
Unity Sponsorship - $2,500 includes a table, a meet and greet with the speaker and recognition
Legacy Sponsorship - $5,000 includes two tables, stage presence and more