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Schools and government offices will be closed today to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“The highest honor we can pay Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is to re-commit ourselves to fighting for the causes that defined his life and work,” said California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris. “Dr. King told the congregation at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Selma, Alabama that ‘the civil rights bill, as marvelous as it is, is only the beginning of a new day and not the end of a journey…'”
“The civil rights challenges of that day — among them voting rights, police and community relations, economic opportunity and an equitable criminal justice system — are still with us today,” she added. “We must be inspired by Dr. King, and we must act with inspiration to achieve his vision for America.”
Larry Hanley, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union, agreed.
“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., spent his life fighting for racial equality and economic justice for working families,” he said.
Hanley added:
“His life came to a tragic end in 1968 when he was assassinated while supporting Memphis sanitation workers in their fight for a fair wage and respect on the job.
“As we celebrate Dr. King’s life today, we should honor his legacy by continuing to fight as bravely and boldly as he did for equity and justice for all.”
Contra Costa Supervisor Mary Nejedly Piepho said the the life and legacy of Dr. King will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday at a county board meeting.
Piepho added: “There are many inspiring people in our community whose selfless dedication to others should be recognized by the Board of Supervisors and citizens of Contra Costa County.
“Unfortunately, it is far too often that our heroes go unsung. We were delighted to receive nominees who embody the humanitarian spirit of Dr. King’s vision to promote equality, peace, and justice for all people based on proven leadership, commitment to community, and personal integrity.”
The event will be held at the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Chambers located at 651 Pine Street in Martinez.
Pleasanton community leaders will come together to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. on Monday, Jan. 26, at the 15th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Fellowship Breakfast hosted by the Tri-Valley YMCA.
The breakfast will be held from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in Pleasanton. For more information contact Kelly O’Lague Dulka at 263-4444.