Nominations are now being accepted for the City of Chandler’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards Program, which recognizes residents who have made significant contributions to promoting compassion and social justice in the community.
The program features three award categories. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Achievement Award honors individuals whose work advances social and economic justice, civil rights, and human dignity within Chandler. The Emma Arbuckle Empowerment Award is named after a prominent South Chandler leader and acknowledges those who foster leadership, racial equality, and solidarity in the community. The Youth Action Award is open to students aged 18 or younger who demonstrate a commitment to non-violence, service, and courage among their peers; the recipient will receive a $500 prize.
Nominations must be submitted by noon on Monday, Dec. 8. Submissions should include specific examples of the nominee’s efforts and accomplishments related to human and civil rights in Chandler. Nominees must live, work, or attend school in the city.
Winners will be notified during the week of Dec. 15, with an awards ceremony scheduled for Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.
For further details about the awards program or nomination process, Adrianna Tušek Erickson from the city’s Connection & Impact Division can be contacted by email or at 480-782-2224.
