NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

January 10, 2005

Contact: Darrell Kirby, (801) 538-8812

STATE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

TO MARK KING HOLIDAY

The Utah Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission will hold its annual Martin Luther King Jr. holiday recognition and awards luncheon.

The event gives the commission the opportunity each year to affirm its motto of “Celebrate Unity through Diversity” by recognizing people, companies, schools, and students that foster diversity and unity.

The luncheon will be held Friday, Jan. 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Sheraton Hotel, 150 W. 500 South, Salt Lake City. The keynote speaker will be the Rev. France of Calvary Baptist Church, Salt Lake City. Utah’s first lady, Mary Kaye Huntsman, will also deliver remarks.

The commission will present its Drum Major Awards to honor organizations and people for their commitment to diversity. The recipients are Zions Bank; National Conference for Community and Justice; American Express; Lincoln Elementary School in Layton; and Wendy Jones, a teacher at Mill Creek Elementary School in the Granite School District. 

The commission’s Adopt-A-Schools will also be highlighted.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission will also sponsor a screening of the documentary “Citizen King” and a panel discussion on the film and legacy left by King. It will be held Sunday, Jan. 16, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Salt Lake City Library auditorium, 210 E. 400 South.

The 15-member Utah Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission in the state’s Division of Housing and Community Development works to promote education and awareness of the principles of nonviolence and respect of human rights for everyone. The commission also encourages and coordinates ceremonies and activities for the national Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

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