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The Martin Luther King, Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service
Each year since 2015, the King County Council has honored nine people in the county for their outstanding contributions to their communities. In 2015, Councilmember Rod Dembowski sponsored the legislation that established the Martin Luther King, Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service, to be awarded to a person who has answered Dr. King's question, "What are you doing for others?", chosen by the councilmember of each district. The certificate that is given with the medal at the annual awards ceremony reads in part:
"The ideals of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the foremost civil and human rights leader in the United States, are held high at King County. King County was redesignated in his honor and the county logo bears his likeness. Dr. King’s vision of equity and social justice is infused throughout the programs and services of county government."
Below are the recipients of the medal in 2024, with a brief video about their accomplishments:
District 1: Scott Morris
Scott Morris has responded to Dr. King’s question, “What are you doing for others?” with a quarter century of volunteerism to preserve and protect our region’s treasured natural assets for public benefit, with a special focus on the Finn Hill and Juanita communities of Kirkland.
District 5: Shamso Issak
Shamso Issak has responded to Dr. King’s question, “What are you doing for others?” by striving to bring healthier living to low-income, immigrant and refugee communities through early learning initiatives, healthy food access, youth empowerment, and more.
District 6: Michelle Williams-Clark
Michelle Williams-Clark has responded to Dr. King’s question, “What are you doing for others?” by supporting youth in her community to help them reach their fullest potential and become the leaders of tomorrow.
District 7: Terrell Dorsey
Terrell Dorsey has responded to Dr. King’s question, “What are you doing for others?” by founding Unleash the Brilliance, which aims to decrease truancy, provide young people with positive role models, and increase high school graduation rates. Terrell has worked tirelessly to stem the tide of truancy and to reengage students in school for their benefit and the benefit of South King County communities.
