SEATTLE — Monday, Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin was awarded the Martin Luther King, Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service for his work in the South King County community. Baldwin received the medal from King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove.
“Dr. King understood the importance of the opportunities athletes had to use their platforms for positive social change,” Upthegrove said. “Doug’s commitment to service in Renton and all of the communities in King County embodies that vision, and we are better for it.”
Upthegrove highlighted Baldwin's work with the Family First Community Center project where he has partnered with the city of Renton and the Renton School District to design and build a community center in the Cascade/Benson Hill area.
According to the King County Council, the Family First Community Center "will provide a variety of programs including youth sports, art and music classes, group exercise, English as a second language classes, and much more. Healthpoint, a non-profit health center, will also provide services in the facility. Construction is expected to begin by the end of this year."
Upthegrove also highlighted Baldwin's committment to funding the Seahawks Players Equality and Justice for All Action Fund.
"The fund was created in an effort to extend players’ influence and leverage as a team to enact systemic change through organizations addressing equality and justice. Team leadership, fans, companies and community members also contributed to the effort raising almost $1 million," the County Council said.
According to the King County Council, "The MLK Medal of Distinguished Service recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to make a difference in communities across King County, in answer to Dr. King’s question: 'What are you doing for others?'"
Baldwin joined the Seahawks in 2011 after going undrafted out of Stanford University in the NFL Draft.
In his seven seasons, Baldwin has been named to two pro bowls, and caught a touchdown in the Seahawks 43-8 victory of the Denver Broncos in SuperBowl XLVIII.
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