In a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Baton Rouge Community
College (BRCC) proudly congratulates Karius Joseph, the 2021 MLK Unsung Hero Award
recipient. This prestigious award recognizes individuals whose selfless contributions
to their community often go unnoticed but leave an indelible mark on society.
The Unsung Hero award is presented annually during the Unity Celebration, which brings together the three higher education institutions in the capital region – BRCC, Louisiana State University, and Southern University Baton Rouge – to celebrate the spirit, life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and commemorate the timeless values he shared. The award is presented to one student from each institution, who exhibits the character of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in both their academic work as well as their service to the local community.
Joseph, a Lafayette, LA native, embodies Dr. King's spirit of service, equality, and justice as seen through his strong love for people and his community.
He is majoring in Pre-Engineering and is a member of the BRCC baseball team. Together with his father, he founded the non-profit organization Karius Kares Philanthropic. Through his non-profit he funded various COVID-19 relief initiatives, food banks, and the Shae Stelly 3rd Annual Day of Giving Back Event.
BRCC Professor Dr. Barbara Hasek nominated Joseph for the award and stated she is happy that she was able to be his professor. She added that Joseph is an extremely special student with limitless potential, and that his academic ability, intellectual prowess, and high maturity level and philanthropic endeavors make him a perfect candidate the Unsung Hero Award.
“In my 15 years of teaching biology classes at BRCC, Mr. Joseph ranks is in the top 1percent of academic performance and character,” said Hasek.
Joseph truly has a strong concern for humanity and he is fully committed to contributing to society.
BRCC extends its warmest congratulations to the 2021 MLK Unsung Hero Award recipient, Karius Joseph. The College thanks him for his outstanding efforts in upholding Dr. King's vision. His dedication to making our community a better place reminds us that every small act of kindness and compassion has the power to bring about lasting change.