Thousands of New México residents will join in solidarity at the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. March and Commemoration on January 14, 2017. The march will begin at University Blvd. NE and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave. NE. promptly at 10 a.m. (MST), ending at One Civic Plaza.
The national theme, “King’s Legacy of Peace with Justice for Our World,” commemorates and celebrates the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. “Dr. King had a vision for our nation–that all men and women are created equal–and it can be achieved only by the individual and collective courage of all of us together,” stated Leonard Waites, executive director of the New México MLK, Jr. Commission.
The annual event honors Dr. King’s legacy and is an opportunity for Americans to renew their own personal vows of freedom and equality and engage in conversations to advance community goals.
Grand Marshall Phil Edmonds will lead the parade to One Civic Plaza where the first MLK Indoor Track Invitational will be in full swing. Sponsored by the University of New México and the City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department, the track meet includes participants from the University of New Mexico, Eastern New México University, New México State University, and New México Highlands University. The commemoration ceremony will honor former track coach and official, Leon Boyden.
Local elected officials and speakers at the commemoration include Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry, Boyden and Waites. Special attendees are the New México MLK, Jr. Commissioners: Oscar Robinson, Chairman, appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; Brad Winter, appointed by the Secretary of State; Rev. Garland Moore, appointed by the Speaker of the House; Clarence L. Smith, appointed by
State Treasurer, Tim Eichenberg; Dr. Doris A. Page, appointed by the Minority Leader of the House; Dr. Bobbie Green, appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate; Suzette Shije, appointed by the
Deputy Cabinet Secretary, Office of Indian Affairs; Patricia Wolf, appointed by the Director of the Human
Rights Division of the Labor Department; Karen Montoya, appointed by the Public Regulations Commission; and Governor appointees Sargent Major Joseph K. Davis (RET); Col. Raphael Warren; and Rev. Donald Sawyer, Jr.
In a statement, Waites said, “I hope that each of you will take the opportunity to unite around the fundamental values that all Americans share. Help make Dr. King’s Dream a reality as we work to end racism and injustice through nonviolence and through community leadership.” State-wide MLK celebrations and marches will occur throughout the weekend and on the observed Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, January 16. For the complete MLK March lineup, Commemoration Ceremony and information on the MLK Indoor Track Invitational, please visit www.nmmlksc.org.
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