Monday’s MLK observance special this year

Dr. E.L. Sanderson, of St. Paul's Church in Gallup, reads a passage Monday titled "The Inner Truth" before participants began their walk from the Multi-Cultural Center in Downton Gallup to the Larry Mitchell Recreation Center to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Day. The reading was part of an address by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4th, 1967 at Riverside Church in New York City. — © 2009 Gallup Independent / Staff Photo

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Gaye Brown de Alvarez
Staff writer

GALLUP — The 2009 King Holiday observance will mark the 80th birthday of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the 23rd anniversary of the national holiday in King’s honor. It is celebrated in some form in more than 100 countries around the world and is particularly being celebrated this year as King’s legacy comes to fruition in this country.

With the theme, “Remember! Celebrate! Act!: A Day On, Not A Day Off,” Gallup Chapter of NAACP will sponsor citywide events commemorating King’s life and legacy, with an invitation to all to attend. The theme emphasizes the importance of remembering King’s work and legacy, celebrating his birthday as a national holiday and acting on his teachings and principles of nonviolence and human rights.

“It’s a special time,” Gallup Mayor Harry Mendoza said. “I think Martin Luther King Jr., would be happy and proud that we have an African-American president. It says something for all people of color. If you try hard enough you can be whatever you want. You just have to work hard.”

Local students are being invited to write poetry or make posters representing the life and work of King.

The posters and poetry will be judged and displayed on Jan. 19 at the program site, Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center. Also, as part of the program, NAACP will also recognize students who display the qualities of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., helping others in the community or school.

The annual Freedom March, Monday, Jan. 19, will begin with an interfaith prayer circle at 12:30 p.m. at the Gallup Cultural Center on Historic Route 66. The march will proceed at 12:45 p.m., to the Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center where the program and award presentations will take place. From 1:45 on the program will feature music, guest speakers and community awards.

This year’s events are sponsored by Gallup Chapter of NAACP, Gallup Recreation Department and members of the Gallup community.

Information: Gallup Chapter of NAACP, Mona Frazier at (505)-409-9851.