Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration in West Des Moines

Join us for the West Des Moines Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at the RecPlex. This year, our theme is Having the Courage to Care, inspired by Dr. King’s powerful reminder that “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”

This community gathering will honor Dr. King’s legacy through reflection, storytelling, youth involvement, and moments that uplift compassion and unity.

As part of the celebration, we will present the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. West Des Moines Youth and Community Leadership Awards, created by the City of West Des Moines Human Rights Commission and the WDM MLK Day Planning Committee. These awards recognize individuals who demonstrate leadership and contribute to promoting peace, understanding, and cooperation within the West Des Moines community and schools.

A total of three Youth Leadership Scholarships will be awarded, each providing a $500 scholarship, along with one Community Leadership Award that honors a local individual or organization making a meaningful difference in West Des Moines. All award recipients will be invited to attend the MLK Day celebration on January 19, 2026, at the MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex.

The nomination window will be open December 8 through December 29, 2025. To submit a nomination for a youth or community leader, please visit:
https://www.wdm.iowa.gov/government/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/human-rights-commission/martin-luther-king-jr-day/wdm-mlk-day-leadership-awards

We look forward to having you join us as we celebrate Dr. King’s enduring impact and recognize those who carry his legacy forward through leadership and care in West Des Moines.