The Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission was established to recognize Dr. King's significance as a civil rights leader and to honor Ohioans who work to promote diversity and eliminate discrimination through nonviolent methods. Each year, the Commission presents awards to Ohioans to celebrate the life of Dr. King, whose teachings encourage nonviolent actions to secure equal rights for all Americans.

2016 Awards:
Community Building: Pastor Mark Ford
Cultural Awareness: Greg Merkel
Economic Opportunity: Melinda Carter
Educational Excellence: Robert Decatur
Health Equity and Awareness: Doni Miller
Social Justice: Dr. Joe Coffey
Social Justice: Dr. John Tyus
Governor's Humanitarian Award: Pastor Dianna Shurelds

As part of the celebration, Ohio students who won their age group at the 2015 statewide oratorical contest will present their speeches.

Student Speakers:
Ezell Matchett, Heir Force Community School, Lima, Ohio
Marlyn Yarborough, St. Catharine School, Groveport, Ohio
Bre'Anna Walker, Columbus Gifted Academy, Columbus, Ohio
Holli Warthem, Lima Senior High School, Lima, Ohio

Additional Speakers:
Rev. Richard Burnett, Trinity Episcopal Church
Rev. Joel L. King, Interim Chair, Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission
Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor, Director, Ohio Department of Insurance
Dorothy Lovell Jones, Commissioner, Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission
Will Lucas, Commissioner, Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission
David Jehnsen, Commissioner, Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission
Sen. Edna Brown, Minority Whip, (D) District 11 - Toledo
Sgt. McKinley Brown, Commissioner, Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission
Napoleon Bel Il, Commissioner, Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission
Dr. Fannie L. Brown, Commissioner, Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission
Rabbi Harold Berman, Tifereth Israel, Columbus, Ohio

Music:
Ellisa Coston
Trinity Baptist Church, Columbus, Ohio