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Zahilay awards Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service to Cherryl Jackson-Williams
Summary
King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay on Tuesday awarded Cherryl Jackson-Williams with the Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service, an award that recognizes individuals whose work has answered the question asked by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “What are you doing for others?”
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King County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay on Tuesday awarded Cherryl Jackson-Williams with the Martin Luther King Medal of Distinguished Service, an award that recognizes individuals whose work has answered the question asked by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “What are you doing for others?”Jackson-Williams is a community advocate and champion for the Skyway-West Hill Community, a 2021 King County Redistricting Commissioner and a civil rights leader who has dedicated her life to helping others, including through her work in behavioral health and community engagement.
“A steadfast advocate and committed community builder, Cherryl Jackson-Williams’ vision and dedication to service sets her apart as a leader in King County,” said Councilmember Zahilay. “In our shared mission to create a South End where all can thrive, live peacefully, and uplift one-another in health, she is irreplaceable as a contributor in creating the institutions and resources needed to make this vision a reality.”
“This is an award that honors the foundation that my elders laid for me to stand on their shoulders as I engage in actions that are a part of my responsibilities to my community,” said Jackson. “I accept this honor not just for me, but for all the many individuals who have partnered, advocated, and toiled in new political territory with me to advance initiatives and render positive impacts.”
She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Tulsa and a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the New College of California.
This marks the sixth year that councilmembers have each selected someone from their district whose work embodies the spirit of King’s question.