Tallahassee Wins Best Neighborhood Program Award for MLK Jr. Blvd. Enhancement

FLORIDA – The vibrant capital city of Tallahassee, FL is basking in well-deserved pride of winning a Best Neighborhood Program award (opens in a new tab) from Neighborhoods USA (NUSA) (opens in a new tab) for its Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Corridor Enhancement Project. This national recognition highlights the project’s impressive accomplishments, which were possible through the support of a grant from Keep America Beautiful® (KAB) in partnership with sponsor Diageo (opens in a new tab). The project aimed to pay tribute to local leaders and the iconic Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by installing three historical markers to celebrate their invaluable contributions to the local Civil Rights Movement.

The city’s efforts to preserve its rich history and promote unity within the community were evident in the collaborative approach taken during the project. Representatives from neighborhoods, including Levy Park, Frenchtown, Carolina Oaks, and South Bronough St., worked together with city staff to create small-scale changes that beautified and celebrated the corridor. The unveiling of the markers, named “Dream Builders, Voices of the Movement,” during the national holiday in 2022, was a significant celebratory moment for Tallahassee.

Over 100 volunteer hours from residents and local groups contributed to the effort. These markers now adorn the 2.37-mile stretch of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., traversing six historically rich neighborhoods. They not only pay tribute to Dr. King but also recognize local civil rights leaders, acknowledging their activism and contributions.

Keep America Beautiful® commended Tallahassee’s success in the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard Corridor Enhancement Project, showcasing how communities, bolstered by organizations like KAB, can create lasting improvements. The project stands as a beacon of inspiration, highlighting the power of collaboration for meaningful change.

About Keep America Beautiful®:

Keep America Beautiful®, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful® strives to End Littering, Improve Recycling, and Beautify America’s Communities. We believe everyone has a right to live in a clean, green, and beautiful community, and shares a responsibility to contribute to that vision. The organization is driven by the work and passion of 700 Keep America Beautiful® affiliates, millions of volunteers, and the collaborative support of corporate partners, social and civic service organizations, academia, municipalities, elected officials, and individuals. Join us on Facebook (opens in a new tab), Instagram (opens in a new tab), Twitter (opens in a new tab), Linkedin (opens in a new tab), and YouTube (opens in a new tab). Donate and take action at kab.org. mailto:communications@kab.org (opens in a new tab)