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TRENTON, NJ - Governor Jon S. Corzine, Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells and other dignitaries are set to host the 25th anniversary celebration of the New Jersey Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission (MLK Commission) at Gibbs Hall in Fort Monmouth. This evening's event will honor former Governor Thomas Kean, Sr., and 25 members of the Academy of Leaders who have embraced Dr. King's challenge and dedicated themselves to making his dream a reality.
"The legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his vision of unlimited opportunity for people of all backgrounds, is a benchmark by which we measure how much and how well we have advanced toward social, educational and civic equality," said Secretary Wells. "For 25 years, the New Jersey Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission has been the strong and passionate voice of New Jersey's commitment to ensuring that his dream will not die. With the strong support of Governor Jon S. Corzine, New Jersey has continued to build onto this model."
Governor Kean established the MLK Commission by Executive Order on September 26, 1984. The order directed the commission to create programs designed to educate the people of New Jersey about Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement.
"This event is a true representation of everything we do at the New Jersey MLK Commission," says Mildred C. Crump, Newark Municipal Council President and Chairperson of the anniversary celebration. "Governor Thomas Kean had the foresight and courage to establish this body as a permanent memorial to the ideals and philosophy of one of this country's greatest leaders, and it's a sincere pleasure to honor him with this award. I'm also pleased that we appointed 25 members of the Academy of Leaders, outstanding men and women who, like Dr. King, have chosen to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you," Crump added.
About the MLK Commission:
The mission of the New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission is to raise public awareness of the ideals and philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This includes:
- A commitment to preserving constitutional freedoms for all Americans.
- Assisting all components of American society to embrace Dr. King's messages on achieving social justice through nonviolent activism.
- Celebrating our diversity, promoting education as well as accepting and appreciating others.
- Helping youth make a difference in their lives and inspiring them to contribute to the well being of their families, schools, communities and government.
- Encouraging the citizens of New Jersey to recognize their commonalities and to appreciate the potential strength of the racial, ethnic and cultural diversity that so richly enhances our great state and nation.
To learn more about the diverse array of services and programs offered by the Department of State, visit www.state.nj.us/state.
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