The Westerville MLK Alston Award is named in honor of Miriam Alston and the group of enslaved people she freed. The newly freed Alstons traveled from North Carolina to East Orange (Westerville area), later known as Africa, Ohio in 1859. They became landowners, artists, and active participants in the Underground Railroad, where they risked their freedom to help others find theirs. Their descendants went on to serve in the military and became educators. This award is to honor the resiliency of these freed people and their community.

Nominations are due November 1, 2023.

1. The community member nominated via this form should be someone who:  exemplifies the characteristics demonstrated by Dr. King (tolerant, respectful, kind, brave, and tenacious), has respect for the differences in others around them, and takes action when he/she sees an injustice
2. Each nominee will be considered based on the following criteria: has taken specific action in the community, schools, local government or their church to support tolerance, social justice, or assistance to the marginalized; has created a program or activity that has a lasting impact; mention of a measurable in the nomination (number of people impacted, amount of time the program has been active, etc.)
3. The winner will be notified in late December 2023.
   
4. The award presentation will be made during the Westerville MLK Breakfast Celebration on January 15, 2024.