Honoring those who embody Dr. King’s legacy of equality and justice!
Pathfinder Award
Created in 1986, the Pathfinder Award recognizes individuals or organizations that, in the spirit of Dr. King, are initiators or action takers in the struggle for equal treatment, human rights and non-violence. The award represents the ideal that all people should be treated fairly and equally without the fear of discrimination on any basis.
The original Pathfinder Award was created in 1986 to recognize Mankato area individuals or organizations that, in the spirit of Dr. King, are initiators or action-takers in the struggle for equal treatment, human rights, and non-violence.
The Greater Mankato Diversity Council originally held the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Pathfinder Awards event near Dr. King's birthdate. In 2023, the event was moved to the anniversary of Dr. King's visit and three public addresses in Mankato, MN on November 12, 1961.
Young Pathfinder Award
Added in 2002, this award recognizes the commitment and courage displayed by area young people (age 18 or younger) to achieve fair and equal treatment for all, healthy communities, and peaceful resolution to conflicts.
Business Pathfinder Award
First presented in 2003, this award recognizes area businesses that strive for equal treatment, human rights, and non-violence in the workplace.
NOMINATIONS
Do you know someone who exemplifies the values of social justice, equality, and community leadership? Nominate an individual or organization for the MLK Pathfinder Awards and help us celebrate those who are making a difference. Submit your 2026 nomination today!
Previous Award Recipients
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2025 Justin Ek
2024 Jameel Haque
2023 no award this year
2022 no award this year
2021 no award this year
2020 Jennifer and Richmond Clark, Northside Hair Company
2019 Dan and Kirstin Cronn-Mills, founders of the Ally Network, a Facebook group that supports marginalized communities and works to encourage activism.
2018 Diana Joseph
2017 The REACH Youth Drop-In Center
2016 Bud Lawrence
2015 David Burgess
2014 Bev Mountain
2013 Scott Fee
2012 Wilbur Neuschwander-Frink
2011 Adam Osman
2010 Aish Ali
2010 Lisa Spieker, Rasmussen College Mankato Diversity Committee, and Sally Kvebak, English and US Culter teacher to newcomer immigrant students at East HS
2009 KMSU
2008 Center for Earth Spirituality and Rural Ministry
2007 Steve Oachs
2006 Ed Waltrman
2005 YWCA
2004 Mary Lou Kadela
2003 Linda Javens
2002 Nithy Javahar Sevanthinathan
2001 Multicultural Resource Center
2000 Marian Anderson
1999 Eunice Simonson
1998 Lorraine Hansen
1997 Robert Barrett
1996 Kate Marten and East Side Jr. Civitan
1995 Gladys Neiman and Clair Faust, Minnesota Valley Regional Library
1994 Erma Beinke
1993 Althia deGraft-Johnson and Hand-Maid Sweets (Charles Catale)
1992 Charlie Beck, Jim Buckley, and Mary Dowd
1991 David Sullivan and Blue Earth County Human Services
1990 Larry Gaffin and Bud Lawrence
1989 John Considine and SSND (School Sisters of Notre Dame)
1988 Michael Fagin, Mary Lofy, and Welcome Inn
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2025 Amina Nor
2024 no award this year
2023 no award this year
2022 no award this year
2021 no award this year
2020 Bobbi Hampton and Nijae Carter, Mankato West High School
2019 Kyle Kehoe
2018 Lauren Senden
2017 no award this year
2016 Elora Greiner
2015 Kos Adam
2014 Mankato East Student Council, Executive Board
2013 Loyola Catholic School, Fair Trade School
2012 Zeynab Omar
2011 Dr. Avra Johnson
2010 Mankato East High School senior
2009 Megan Malony
2008 Akram Mohamed
2007 no award this year
2006 Nick Burkhart
2005 East High School Diversity Club and Melissa Melendez
2004 Mankato West SHINE
2003 Tina Gee
2002 Road to Understanding
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2025 Indivisible St. Peter/Greater Mankato
2024 no award this year
2023 no award this year
2022 no award this year
2021 no award this year
2020 Destiny Owens, Founder, Black Excellence Around Mankato (BEAM) and Dr. Timothy Berry, Composer, "OVERCOMING"
2019 Dan and Angie Bastian, founders and former owners of BoomChickaPop, and
2018 Cambria
2017 no award this year
2016 MRCI Workforce Center
2015 Imperial Plastics
2014 Sodexo
2013 Hy-Vee
2012 Lloyd Management, Inc.
2011 The Free Press
2010 The Coffee Hag
2008 Eide Bailly, Hahn Huy Phan
2009 Coughlan Companies
2007 Mankato Clinic
2006 Greater Mankato Diversity Council
2005 Immanuel-St. Joseph’s Mayo Health Systems
2004 Charley Sadaka
2003 Mankato Ford
2025 Recipients
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Justin Ek
Justin Ek is a dedicated community leader and advocate, known for his impactful mural and studio artwork. He plays a crucial role in organizing Day of the Dead events that promote community connection and celebrate cultural diversity. As a talented house painter and owner of a successful painting company, Justin combines his artistic skills with an entrepreneurial spirit. He actively volunteers for CityArt initiatives, such as coordinating the annual Sculpture Walk, which features 30 new sculptures each year. Additionally, Justin is deeply involved in revitalizing Mankato's Old Town community and teaches art to youth across southern Minnesota, with a special focus on non-English speakers.
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Amina Nor
Amina Nor is a dedicated advocate for youth empowerment and diversity within her community. She actively works to amplify underrepresented voices and inspires her peers to engage in leadership opportunities. Through her involvement in various community initiatives and her dedication to education and equity, Amina has demonstrated exceptional courage and commitment to fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society.
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Indivisible St. Peter/Greater Mankato
Indivisible St. Peter/Mankato is a grassroots organization committed to fostering equity, justice, and inclusion in the Greater Mankato area. Through nonpartisan initiatives, the group actively supports community engagement, voter registration, and education around pressing social issues. Their efforts reflect a strong commitment to Dr. King's values, inspiring collaboration and meaningful action within the region.