Diversity Award winners announced at 2026 Columbia Values Diversity Celebration

(COLUMBIA, MO) ~ Columbia, MO - The 33rd annual Columbia Values Diversity Awards were presented at the Columbia Values Diversity Celebration on Wednesday, Jan. 28. This prestigious event recognizes individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions in promoting appreciation for diversity and cultural understanding in the community.

Kenneth Freeman was honored with the individual/family 2026 Diversity Award for his outstanding efforts in various areas of community life. As an election worker since 2009, Freeman has shown dedication to honoring those who fought for voting rights for all Americans. He has also been a distinguished member of Toastmaster International for over 20 years, promoting effective leadership and communication skills through free workshops at the Columbia Public Library.

For two decades, Freeman has been a key figure in organizing the annual Black History Month Gospel Explosion and Soul Food Dinner, which brings together members of the community through music, food, and fellowship. In addition to these contributions, he has also served as president of the Fairway Meadows Homeowners' Association and played a crucial role in establishing Hogan House - a resource center that serves over 150 families in an underserved part of the city.

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Through his work as an election worker, leader in Toastmaster International, and community organizer, Kenneth Freeman has strived to ensure that every person's voice is heard through the ballot box. He has equipped others with the skills to advocate for themselves and supported neighborhoods in need - all while working towards making Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of equality a reality in Columbia.

The organization/group 2026 Diversity Award was presented to Missouri Jobs with Justice for their commitment to promoting power and progress for all working people. As part of a multi-racial working class movement, their work recognizes that the interests of people of color and white individuals are intertwined. They believe that true change can only be achieved through powerful relationships within and across communities.

One of their major achievements was gathering over 210,000 signatures for a ballot initiative that would provide workers with paid sick time and raise the minimum wage. This effort contributed to the passage of Proposition A in November 2024, greatly benefiting marginalized and disenfranchised populations in Missouri. Their work was also recognized by the NAACP, who awarded them with the Human Rights award in July.

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Missouri Jobs with Justice has also played a crucial role in assisting the Laborers' International Union of North America Local 955 in negotiating better benefits, including higher wages, with the City of Columbia. Their dedication to promoting economic equality and supporting working people aligns with the values and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who believed that civil rights and economic equality were interconnected.

For more information on the Columbia Values Diversity Celebration and this year's award recipients, please visit CoMoDiversityCelebration.com.

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