Prester Pickett, coordinator of the Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center (HAMAACC) at Cleveland State University (CSU), has been named a recipient of the Cleveland Orchestra’s 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Service in the Arts Award, honoring individuals and organizations whose work positively impacts music and the arts while reflecting the teachings of Dr. King. 

Pickett, a professor, performer, playwright, producer and director, will celebrate 30 years as coordinator of the HAMAACC in June and has worked alongside scholars and artists to inspire CSU students and the greater Cleveland community. His work includes partnerships with community organizations and national civil rights groups, the creation of plays and cultural programming and the establishment of a CSU Dr. King celebration that is free and open to the public. This year's celebration will take place on Jan. 22 at 11 a.m. in the CSU Student Center through a partnership between the HAMAACC and the new CSU Center for Civics, Culture and Society.  

“This honor means a great deal to me because it affirms that the work I’ve been doing for more than 30 years has been seen and valued by the Greater Cleveland community,” said Pickett. “It’s a blessing to know that others have seen the value in my labors that connect to the past and through theatrical ventures and cultural presentations produced at CSU.” 

Pickett will be honored during the Cleveland Orchestra's 46th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Concert on Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. in the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Concert Hall at Severance Music Center. 

The award presentation will take place during the sold-out Jan. 11 concert. The program will be led by Cleveland Orchestra assistant conductor, Taichi Fukumura, and features soprano Latonia Moore and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Chorus. 

“I would like to show my appreciation to those who have contributed to my signature events through the HAMAACC, as well as to the cast and crew of my pieces that contributed to the plays I produced at CSU,” Pickett added.  

Learn more about Pickett’s work at the CSU African American Cultural Center here.