06/03/2026
Yesterday, I was honored to present the 2026 Martin Luther King Service Award for District 5 to Gwen Allen-Carston, Executive Director of the Kent Black Action Commission.
For more than 15 years, Gwen has brought South King County together through Kent’s Juneteenth celebration while also helping countless residents engage in civic life through voter outreach, youth initiatives, community conversations, and leadership development.
Most recently, Gwen helped lead the successful effort to establish MLK Memorial Way signage along SR 900 and SR 515, symbolically extending Seattle’s Martin Luther King Jr. Way into Renton and Kent and creating a lasting tribute to Dr. King’s legacy.
I had the privilege of attending the unveiling celebration last week, and seeing Gwen’s joy after years of advocacy was a powerful reminder that meaningful change happens because dedicated people refuse to give up.
Gwen’s leadership has strengthened our communities, elevated voices, and inspired others to serve. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for everything you do for South King County.
I invite you to watch this short clip shown at council to learn more about her story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k3PPApxbrY