Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Courage & Service Award
Read about the 2026 winner and honoree below!
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Courage & Service Award honors individuals in the Allen community who embody the core values championed by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: generosity, service, equity and the unwavering belief that communities flourish when people uplift one another.
What will the award-winner receive?
The winner was honored by the mayor and city council at the January 13 Allen City Council meeting and will receive tickets and special recognition at the ECHL All-Star hockey game on January 19.
Who selected the winner?
The winner will be selected by the Mayor and members of the Allen Community Engagement Advisory Board.
How to nominate someone
The nomination period has closed. The award winner and honoree are named below.
Award Criteria
Nominees should demonstrate excellence in at least three of the following areas, with strong consideration given to those who show consistent, long-term commitment.
Phases
Congratulations to the winner and honoree!
Award Winner
Melinda Kizer was awarded the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Courage & Service Award. Melinda founded the organization, JCK Resources, a nonprofit serving the Allen community and providing high-quality transition education for adults 18 and older with intellectual or developmental disabilities. JCK Resources focuses on teaching independence, life skills, confidence and inclusion.
Pictured below: Melinda Kizer receives the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Courage & Service Award
Community Service Honoree
Christina Cheng-Patel was recognized as Community Service Honoree for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Courage & Service Award. Through her organization, Under My Umbrella, she has worked tirelessly to support members of our community who are less fortunate. Christina reminds us that meaningful change often begins with a person choosing to act.
Pictured below: Christina Cheng-Patel receives Community Service Honoree recognition
Mayor Brooks presented these awards during the January 13 City Council meeting.