There will be two celebrations of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King. Today, Sunday, January 15, there is a celebration with speeches, remembrances, and potluck at Kona’s Old Airport Park starting at noon. There will be information displays, artwork, poems and essays by students from Kealakehe Elementary School, Kona Christian Academy and Kealakehe High School. Organizer Virginia Halliday says she hopes young people most especially will come to learn more about Dr. King and his message. Last year around 100 people attended the annual event.
Monday in Hilo, there is a celebration at the Mo’oheau Park Bandstand from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. The event will feature music, speakers, and potluck, with a peace march from 11 a.m. until noon. Monday’s celebration is being sponsored by HAVEN, the Hawaii American Veterans Enterprise Network.
Martin Luther King, Jr., was born January 15, 1929, and was assassinated on April 4, 1968. He was a Baptist clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the Civil Rights Movement. He was an iconic figure, known for his moving speeches and ability to lead people in fighting the egregious violations of civil rights of African Americans through nonviolent means.
King did everything he could to help people believe that all people are created equal.
In 1964, Dr. King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other nonviolent means. By the time of his death in 1968, he was also focused on ending poverty and stopping the Vietnam War.
And Nancy Cook-Lauer of Stephens Media writes in her blog that Dr. King had ties to Hawaii! He addressed the State Legislature in 1959 and praised Hawaii for its ethnic diversity. He had a special relationship with United States Senator Daniel Akaka and with Akaka’s brother, the Reverend Abraham Akaka. Read the article here:
http://www.allhawaiinews.com/2012/01/why-did-rev-martin-luther-king-jr-wear.html
