As soon as he became a member of the Seattle Seahawks, Doug Baldwin made Renton and south King County his home.
The area is more than a place of work for Baldwin, it’s as important to him as helping the Seahawks win. Baldwin’s work in the South King County community, particularly with the Family First Community Center project, was recognized on Monday (April 30) by Metropolitan King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove, when Baldwin received the Martin Luther King, Jr. Medal of Distinguished Service.
“Dr. King understood the importance of the opportunities athletes had to use their platforms for positive social change,” said Councilmember Upthegrove. “Doug’s commitment to service in Renton and all of the communities in King County embodies that vision – and we are better for it.”
As the visionary behind the Family First Community Center, Doug partnered with the City of Renton and the Renton School District to design and build the Center in the Cascade/Benson Hill area. The area is home to nearly a quarter of Renton’s population with 12 percent living below the poverty line with over 20 percent 14 years or younger. This 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.
Along with the Family First Center, Baldwin understands the vital role athletes have with the cities they play in and call home. He has joined his Seahawks teammates in 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 dollars.
Baldwin has also played a key role in the national “Building Bridges” task force, focused on gaining knowledge and understanding about the issues facing law enforcement and communities they serve and pushing for positive social change.
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?”
Here’s the proclamation:
MLK Medal of Distinguished Service
PRESENTED TO
Doug Baldwin
The ideals of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the foremost civil and human
rights leader in the United States, are held high at King County. King County
was redesignated in his honor and the county logo bears his likeness. Dr. King’s
vision of equity and social justice is infused throughout the programs and services
of county government.
Doug Baldwin has responded to Dr. King’s question, “What are you doing for
others?” through his leadership and commitment to community service and
positive social change in South King County.
The Metropolitan King County Council today presents Doug Baldwin with
the MLK Medal of Distinguished Service for his outstanding community service
and honors him as an example to all in our county, state, and nation.
Dated this thirtieth day of April, 2018.
