January 11, 2000
Mayor Williams to Host 15th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration
(Washington, DC) Mayor Anthony A. Williams will host the celebration of the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the District's 15th annual citywide observance of the national holiday at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 17, 2000.
The Mayor and the D.C. Martin Luther King Holiday Commission are proud to present this year's event as part of a nationwide celebration. In order to facilitate a larger audience, the event has moved its usual location at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library to the auditorium of the University of the District of Columbia, located at 4200 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Building 46.
The District's annual observance of the King holiday focuses on Dr. King's fight for freedom, justice and dignity for all races. Consistent with his role as a coalition builder, Mayor Williams is committed to bringing together all citizens of the District for this celebration.
"This celebration recognizes not only a man, but also a Dream. On Monday--and every day--we in our city must do more than remember Dr. King's legacy. We must rededicate ourselves to uphold that legacy, coming together and working together to achieve true equality and opportunity for all people."
The program will last approximately one and one-half to two hours including a keynote address by Bill Lann Lee, who is the Acting Assisting Attorney General, for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice.
Mayor Williams will be joined by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Council Chairman Linda W. Cropp, who will each bring remarks. The Mayor will offer a Mayoral Proclamation, Congresswoman Norton will bring congressional greetings, and Councilmember Cropp will give a council resolution. The President of the University of the District of Columbia, Dr. Julius Nimmons, Jr., will bring greetings. Internationally renowned recording artists William Becton & Friends will perform as the featured artists. In addition, several of the city's young residents will participate in the program, including the Youth Mayor, Nicole Johnson, several members of the Mayor's Youth Leadership institute, elementary and high school choirs. Miss D.C. will perform an oratory written especially for the event.
Each year, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Commission selects a winner for the "Living the Dream Award." The award is presented annually at the Holiday celebration to an individual, group or organization that resides and/or operates in the District of Columbia. The recipient's work must be dedicated to fulfilling Dr. King's dream. The Commission considers the following when it selects awardees: dedication and commitment to fulfilling Dr. King's dream; strong and effective community involvement; length of involvement; quality of work; and uniqueness of endeavor. This year's recipients, to be announced at the event, exemplify all of these characteristics and more.
For more information about the official King Celebration, please contact (202) 727-6306.
