A gathering of Austin clergymen, community leaders, activists and elected officials was on hand Tuesday, Jan. 13, to acknowledge individuals who have exhibited the value Martin Luther King, Jr., may have exhibited the most: service. The award ceremony was held at the Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 W. Jackson Blvd., during a monthly meeting of the LEADERS Network, an organization of West Side clergy and other community leaders.
“The Martin Luther King, Jr. Faithful Service Awards” were also handed out to pastors who were instrumental in the construction of the Martin Luther King Legacy Apartments, an environmentally friendly property located at 1550 S. Hamlin.
The structure was completed in 2011 and houses 45 affordable rental units, in addition to commercial space. It sits in the exact location where Dr. King resided in 1966, after moving to Chicago to advocate for fair housing.
“These individuals go beyond and above their call to service in ministry and in their sacrifice of time and energy to help those in need,” said Deborah Williams, a member of the Network who helped plan and administer the awards.
“Each Awardee received an MLK Faithful Service Certificate of Appreciation in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr., who said, ‘Everyone can be great, because anybody can serve.'”
