2026 Diversity Award nominations open

(COLUMBIA, MO)- The City of Columbia is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Columbia Values Diversity Awards. The City of Columbia would like to once again recognize those in our community who have had a significant impact in promoting appreciation for diversity and cultural understanding and whose work in our community exemplifies the life and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in fostering individual dignity, racial equality, understanding, peacemaking, and solving problems through non-violence.

For the 2026 Columbia Values Diversity Awards program, two awards will be presented:

• Individual/family award
• Organization/group award

These awards will be presented during the Columbia Values Diversity Celebration Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Wyndham Expo Center. Registration and tickets will be available in mid-November.

In order to nominate an individual/family or organization/group, please complete and submit the nomination form found at CoMoDiversityCelebration.com.

The deadline for the 2026 award nominations is Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, by 5 p.m.

Current and previous award winners represent a broad spectrum of our community working in unique ways to promote diversity and cultural understanding. Visit the Diversity Awards webpage to learn more about current nominees and past winners.

More information at CoMoDiversityCelebration.com.

City of Columbia Vision
Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.

City of Columbia Mission
To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.