CHAMPAIGN – Nominations are now being accepted for the local 2010 Martin Luther King Jr. humanitarian awards.

Citizens are urged to nominate people or organizations in Champaign County who have demonstrated a deep commitment to eradicating discrimination, bigotry and prejudice and deserve recognition for outstanding achievements in improving human relations.

The city of Champaign is accepting nominations for the Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Award, which honors those who "contribute to furtherance of civil rights," and the Susan Freiburg Award, which recognizes humanitarian efforts in Champaign County.

Champaign nominations must be submitted with a nomination form and received by Nov. 16.

Mail to City of Champaign, Community Relations Office, 102 N. Neil St., Champaign, IL, 61820.

Nominations may also be sent in a pdf format to the CommunityRelations@ci.champaign.il.us via e-mail.

Champaign County board members are accepting suggestions from the public for the James R. Burgess Sr. Humanitarian Award, recognizing contributions to civil rights, and the Doris Hoskins Prestigious Community Service Award, recognizing humanitarian efforts.

Nominations are made by county board members, but suggestions from the public are welcome and due by Monday.

Urbana is accepting nominations for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Achievement Award.

The Urbana award is for people or organizations who have promoted human and civil rights for all and for people or entities "striving to support and encourage individuals in making positive life changes."

Nominations are due in Urbana by Oct. 30 and should be sent to Todd Rent, City of Urbana, 400 S. Vine St., Urbana, IL, 61801.

All awards will be given at the ninth annual the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Countywide Celebration on Jan. 15, 2010, at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1501 S. Neil St., C.