ST. GEORGE — Communities around Southern Utah, throughout the state and across the nation commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday.
In many cities and towns, government offices were closed, as were schools, banks and some private businesses.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on Jan. 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia. The famous civil rights leader, whose “I Have A Dream” speech remains an icon of American history, was delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. as part of the famous March on Washington on Aug. 28, 1963.
King was killed in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968. James Earl Ray confessed to the killing and was sentenced to 99 years in prison. He recanted his confession several months later. Ray died on April 23, 1998.
Utah organizations, lawmakers, and athletes took to social media to offer thoughts about the day, which was originally named Human Rights Day in Utah. But the official state holiday was changed to MLK Day in 2000, according to the Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs.
Following is a look at some of the messages from around the state:
Utah Tech University Athletics on X, formerly known as Twitter:
“Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Let us not just share his quotes but live by his words.”
Accompanying this message is a graphic containing quotes from King, including the following:
- “Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.”
- “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”
- “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox on X:
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. worked to bring meaningful change in our country. He stood for equality, nonviolence and service.
“We encourage Utahns to learn more about Dr. King beyond the history books and recognize MLK Day with service. As Dr. King said, ‘Everybody can be great because anybody can serve … You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.’”
Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs
According to the division’s website, “Gov. Norm Bangerter signed an executive order on July 1, 1991, establishing the Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights (MLK) Commission. Gov. Gary R. Herbert reissued the executive order on Aug. 28, 2013, and the Utah State Legislature codified the commission into state statute during the 2019 session.
The commission promotes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day by:
- Encouraging appropriate ceremonies and activities commemorating the federal and state holiday which occurs on the third Monday of January each year.
- Providing advice and assistance to governments and private organizations on the observance of the holiday.
- Coordinating efforts with individuals of diverse backgrounds and with private organizations on the observance of the holiday.
- Partnering with public education to assist schools in promoting appropriate events to honor human rights and the holiday.
Utah House of Representatives on X:
“Today, generations of Utahns gathered at the Capitol to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Over half a century later, his legacy remains embedded in the hearts of Utahns.”
Utah Senate on X:
“Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his leadership in the fight for civil rights in America. His message of peace, love and unity continues to resonate with people worldwide and serves as a beacon of hope for the future.”
Washington City Facebook page:
“In the spirit of Dr. King’s vision for unity and community, as he once said, ‘The time is always right to do what is right.'”
Sen. Mitt Romney on X:
“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s inspirational messages of opportunity, justice, & hope continue to inspire today. On #MLKDay, let us honor his legacy by working together to further the ideals he espoused for our great country. Even the smallest acts of service can make a difference.”
Sen. Mike Lee on X:
https://twitter.com/SenMikeLee/status/1746925388142444762/photo/1
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.