By Melissa Vince
Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission
COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission announced the winners of the annual Ohio MLK Awards honoring the service and achievements of Ohio residents and organizations in areas consistent with the teachings and example of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Chrstina Rodriguez, Commission chair, said, “This year’s award winners truly reflect the values that Dr. King spent his life advocating for. The Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission congratulates these outstanding Ohioans for creating positive social change and making a difference in their communities.”
Several Cincinnatians and a Cincinnati organization were honored. The Commission presented the awards Jan. 11 during the 39th annual Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration at Trinity Episcopal Church, in downtown Columbus.
Governor Mike DeWine said, “Congratulations to these Ohioans who are keeping Dr. King’s dream alive by promoting peace, service, and community engagement in all they do. We are incredibly grateful for their spirit of community and compassion.”
A special lifetime service award was granted to McKinley E. Brown, who retired from the Commission on Dec. 31 after 10 years, including three years as chair.
Brown is a retired police officer who was most recently chief of detectives for the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office. He served in the U.S. Army before entering law enforcement, beginning his career in law enforcement in 1981 as a patrol officer with the Cincinnati Police Department. He was a 2010 inductee into the Greater Cincinnati Police Museum’s prestigious 1132 Living Legends.
The Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Governor’s Humanitarian Award was presented to Cincinnati WLWT television anchor and reporter Courtis Fuller. That award honors those quiet soldiers who promote the welfare of humanity and the elimination of pain and suffering through their own selfless service, often without recognition. Nominees possess a personal activism that has inspired unheralded long-term service to the community and stands as a model for others to emulate.
In 2023, Fuller was inducted into the inaugural class of the WLWT Hall of Fame. He is a multi-Emmy award winner and a 2021 inductee in the prestigious Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Silver Circle, an honor for television professionals who have made lasting contributions to the industry and to the community for 25 or more years.
The commission said Fuller has consistently shown his leadership and commitment in politics and community issues. He issued the proposal to Cincinnati City Council that led to an inner-city street being renamed in honor of high school honor student Derrick Turnbow, who was shot to death. He led the effort to have the City of Cincinnati and the Cincinnati Reds honor the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s entrance into Major League Baseball.
Known for spotlighting important issues and accomplishments of people of color and underserved populations, Fuller has been at WLWT-TV, 35 years of his nearly 44-year career.
He is a much sought-after speaker and the longtime host for dozens of events. He has assisted in raising millions of dollars for organizations by volunteering his time.
He is an advisory board member of the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation and an honorary member of the Cincinnati Opera board. Previously, he served as a member of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra board, the Greater Cincinnati Tall Stacks Commission, the U.S. Department of Education’s Back-to-School National Advisory Board and the executive board of the National Association of Black Journalists. In 2010 a scholarship was established in his name to help young aspiring journalists achieve their dream.
The MLK Commission’s Organization Award for significant contributions toward building a sense of unity among Ohio citizens was presented to Black Art Speaks, Cincinnati.
Black Art Speaks is an alliance of artists, organizations and activists dedicated to celebrating Black art and culture while tackling critical social issues within the community.
Black Art Speaks partners with other organizations and communities to use the power of art to address cycles of violence and trauma, explore ways to improve quality of life and empower and heal the community.
Originating from the Black Lives Matter mural outside Cincinnati’s City Hall, Black Art Speaks quickly made its mark. The poem “We Want What You Want” by Alandes Powell, founder and executive director of Black Art Speaks, inspired a community-wide initiative, turning each mural letter into a collaborative canvas. This project united over 1,000 individuals from various backgrounds, fostering dialogue and highlighting our shared human experiences.
Black Art Speaks engages the community through diverse art forms, including visual arts, performances and workshops, to ensure inclusivity and education. Notable projects include collaborations that address gun violence and misconceptions about Black men, such as “The Letter Project” with the University of Cincinnati, Avondale and Roselawn communities, and a creative partnership with the DiveRight Leadership Development Program involving the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Commission said the organization’s impact extends beyond showcasing Black talent. It fosters unity in Ohio through shared values of humanity and respect. By leveraging art for social commentary, Black Art Speaks champions peaceful expression and dialogue, aligning with Dr. King’s principles. Black Art Speaks confronts racial inequality, promoting equity by raising awareness of systemic biases and encouraging dialogue. Its educational collaborations introduce art and cultural understanding to youth, fostering diversity and learning among student groups. Black Art Speaks’ multidisciplinary collaborations, encompassing arts, business and social sectors, demonstrate their commitment to unity and understanding. Its approach to using art for education and healing is noteworthy, addressing social justice issues through peaceful means and facilitating essential dialogue.
The Commission’s Individual Award was presented to David Butcher of Athens County. This award recognizes those who have made significant contributions toward building a sense of unity among Ohio citizens. Butcher is executive director and head curator of the Tablertown People of Color Museum, a nonprofit enterprise in Kilvert, Ohio, that showcases 19th-century cultural artifacts that tell the story of Appalachian diversity.
The Youth Award: Capturing the Vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award was presented to Emmanuela Francique of Columbus. This award recognizes young Ohioans who exemplify leadership, nonviolence, commitment to excellence and interracial cooperation. Nominees must have demonstrated an adherence to one or more of Dr. King’s Six Principles of Nonviolence and must have been 20 or younger on Nov. 30. Emmanuela Francique, 17, is a senior at Columbus Alternative High School.