By Dara Harper
Syracuse University is seeking nominations for the Unsung Hero Awards, which will be presented at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration in the JMA Wireless Dome on January 24, 2027.
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Celebration at Syracuse University seeks to honor the life and legacy of a leader who continues to bring hope and healing to our world. As part of the celebration, Syracuse University presents the Unsung Hero Awards to those who exemplify the life and lessons of Dr. King yet have not received widespread recognition for their efforts. The Unsung Heros are meant to represent Syracuse University’s commitment to fostering and supporting a university welcoming to all.
If you know an individual who should be honored and celebrated as an Unsung Hero, please consider nominating them for our 2027 celebration. The Unsung Hero Award nominations are due by Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. The nomination form can be found on the MLK Celebration website. A list of all previous awardees can also be found on the MLK Celebration website.
Unsung Hero Award Nominations may be made in any of the following categories:
- youth/teen from Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cayuga or Cortland counties
- adult from Onondaga, Madison, Oswego, Cayuga or Cortland counties
- currently enrolled student at Syracuse University or SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF)
- faculty or staff from Syracuse University or SUNY ESF
Nominations must be a MINIMUM of 250 words and a MAXIMUM of 500 words. The nomination should be a written explanation of how the nominee embodies Dr. King’s legacy, and what makes them an Unsung Hero.
The 2027 Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will take place on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2027, in the JMA Wireless Dome. Further information will be announced in the coming weeks at mlk.syr.edu.
With questions regarding the Unsung Hero Awards, please contact Hendricks Chapel at chapel@syr.edu.