The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change
General Information The Martin Luther King, Jr. Annual Commemorative Service is the hallmark of the King Holiday Observance. The church service is held on the Federal Holiday at Ebenezer Baptist Church located near The King Center. The service is an ecumenical endeavor, engaging members of various religious traditions, and state national and international governments. On this day The King Center encourages the world to engage in volunteer service in tribute to the work and life of Dr. King.
2013
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Samuel Rodriguez
2012
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III,
2011
Keynote Speaker: Martin Luther King, III
2010
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Cornel West
2009
Keynote Speaker: Pastor Rick Warren
2008
Special Remarks: The Honorable William J. Clinton Keynote Speaker: Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
2007
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Sr.
2006
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake
2005
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Suzan D. Johnson Cook
2004
Keynote Speaker: Martin Luther King, III
2003
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Michael L. Pfleger
2002
Keynote Speaker: Bishop Eddie L. Long
2001
Keynote Speaker: Honorable Andrew J. Young
2000
Keynote Speaker: Honorable DeForest B. Soaries, Jr.
1999
Peace Prize Recipient: Mr. John Hume, M.P. Keynote Speaker: Archbishop Desmond Mplilo Tutu
1998
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Robert M. Franklin
1997
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Johnetta B. Cole
1996 Keynote Speaker: Honorable William J. Clinton
1995
Speakers: Mrs. Coretta Scott King and Dexter Scott King
1994
Speakers: Mrs. Coretta Scott King
1993
Peace Prize Recipient: Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Keynote Speaker: Rev. Bernice Albertine King
1992
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. James A. Forbes, Jr.
1991
Keynote Speaker: Honorable Andrew J. Young
1990
Peace Prize Recipient: Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Otis Moss
1989
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Jesse L. Jackson
1988
Keynote Speaker: Bishop Leontine T.C. Kely
1987
Peace Prize Recipient: Honorable Corazon C. Aquino Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Robert Schuller
1986
Peace Prize Recipient: Bishop Desmond Tutu, D.D. Keynote Speaker: George H.W. Bush
The MLK NVPP prize is awarded for commitment to nonviolence as a way of life, recognizes achievements in the eradication of poverty, and racism and the successful quest for alternatives to war. The award highlights individuals who use nonviolent strategies to gain social justice, human rights, and civil rights liberties. A cash stipend of $1,000, a medal of Dr. King, a diploma and a citation are given to the prize recipient. The following individuals have been awarded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Prize since 1973.
1992 – Jesse Jackson
1991 – Mikhail S. Gorbachev
1990 – Joseph E. Lowery
1987 – Corazon E. Aquino
1985 – Archbishop Desmond Tutu
1983 – Martin Luther King, Sr., Sir Richard Attenborough
1982 – Harry Belafonte
1981 – Ivan Allen, Jr.
1980 – Rosa Parks
1979 – Jimmy Carter
1978 – Stanley Levison, Kenneth Kaunda
1977 – Benjamin E. Mays
1976 – Randolph Blackwell
1975 - John Lewis
1974 – Cesar Chavez
1973 – Andrew Young