Ohio MLK awards recognize Cincinnati changemakers

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...