Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission www.dced.state.ut.us/mlkcommission
“W
e are committed to the success of the Utah Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission,” proclaimed Governor Mike Leavitt. “We believe the new executive order strengthens the commission’s ongoing commitment to human rights.” With that, the governor, by executive order, reauthorized the Utah Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission.
Highlights
On November 30, 1999, Governor Mike Leavitt signed an executive order reauthorizing the Utah Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission. The commission was created in 1991 to promote Martin Luther King Jr./Human Rights Day and is charged with encouraging and coordinating ceremonies and activities honoring Dr. King. The commission coordinates with Utahns of diverse backgrounds to assist government and private organizations with the observance of the national holiday in our state. In keeping with that charge, the commission successfully: •
Planned and organized one of the most successful events in the history of the commission with the appearance of Pulitzer Prize-winning author and civil-rights expert Taylor Branch. Mr. Branch was the keynote speaker at a symposium on the impact of the King legacy and what it means for human relations in Utah. The forum was attended by state legislators, Salt Lake City’s mayor, and other community leaders
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Formed action committees to address diversity issues across the state
Mission The Utah Martin Luther King Jr./Human Rights Commission works to promote education and awareness throughout Utah of the principles of nonviolence and respect of human rights for everyone. The commission also encourages and coordinates ceremonies and activities for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday in Utah which is observed the third Monday in January.
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