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Pierce County Council proclaims MLK Jr. Day, names January Whole Child Month
Summary
The Pierce County Council proclaimed Jan. 19, 2026, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and designated January as Whole Child Month, hearing acknowledgments from community partners and mixed public comments about MLK and DEI-related remarks by a council member.
The Pierce County Council on Tuesday proclaimed Jan. 19, 2026, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and designated January 2026 as Whole Child Month, actions the council said honor civil-rights history and prioritize children’s physical, mental and social-emotional development.
"Whereas Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, equality, and unity," Council member Denson read as she presented the MLK proclamation, which cites the county's recent adoption of a community impact index and references ordinance O 2025-570.
The proclamation was accepted by Jonathan Johnson, whom he introduced himself as a longtime Tacoma resident and past president of the Tacoma NAACP branch, and by Frank Boykin of the Tacoma–Pierce County Black Collective. "We're extremely appreciative and extremely humbled to accept it," Boykin said, speaking about the group's multi-decade community engagement.
The council also adopted a proclamation naming January "Whole Child Month," outlining goals such as promoting physical activity, school and community supports, and partnerships among nonprofits, school districts and parks. Laura Allen, director of the Tacoma Whole Child program, said the month is "a promise" to show up for children and noted local efforts and partnerships to support youth.
Several council members used the occasion to comment on the county's ongoing work on equity and youth services. "We pause and celebrate the wins, but we still have work to do," the chair said after the proclamations were read.
Public commenters during community forum offered a mixture of praise and criticism. Laurie Lee and Michelle Smith urged the council not to let social-media commentary by a council member diminish Dr. King's legacy, saying his principles align with diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Angeline Esquierdo, who identified herself as a District 2 resident, thanked the council for recognizing MLK Day and described personal experiences of discrimination.
The council scheduled community events and reminded the public the council office would be closed on Martin Luther King Day.
