2012 mlk press release
TRANSCRIPT
For Immediate Release Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012
Media Contact: Gail Gaston--cell#: 559-681-3140 email: [email protected]
Website: www.fresnomlk.com
The Fresno Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend continues on with
the help of community leaders and the city of Fresno
Fresno, CA— As the 83rd birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. approaches, January 15th,
the Greater Fresno area is once again having a weekend of celebration, thanks to various community
leaders who have continued to support the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Committee, (MLKU
Committee) with funding and resources.
The MLKU Committee, made of volunteers from throughout Fresno County, continues to secure the
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 28-year legacy in Fresno, thanks to key sponsors such as Fresno
County Economic Opportunities Commission’s, executive director Brian Angus and department store
Macy’s. Other community leaders—the Clovis Police Department, The Fresno Metro Black Chamber
of Commerce, Oliver Baines, District 3 councilperson, and KGPE TV CBS47—are also stepping in to
secure funding for the 2012 Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration to commence.
With dates confirmed, and funding found, the weekend of celebration will continue as follows:
The Opening Ceremony on Jan. 13, at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. bust in front of the Fresno
County Courthouse garners local community leaders, school districts, and young talents who engage
thereafter in placing flowers around the MLK bust. Keynote speaker Larry L. Powell, Fresno County
Superintendent of Schools, will open up the celebratory weekend with the theme: Living the Dream,
Let Freedom Ring for Healing the American Dream.
Later on that evening, six award recipients, chosen based on the 2012 theme, will be honored at a
City Hall reception sponsored by the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce; they will be
commended for their service to the community.
This year’s award recipients include: Susan Bechara & Arthur Dyson for the Outstanding
Service Awards; Bringing Broken Neighborhoods Back to Life for Outstanding Organization
Award; Dave Casner for Outstanding Business Award and Kyvon Brown and Bridget Midgett for
the Outstanding Youth Awards.
The next morning a community breakfast at the Clovis Veteran's Memorial Auditorium will feature
local talents and keynote speaker Dr. Francine Oputa, followed later that evening by an All-Faith
Service at the Community Gym on California and Elm streets.
On Sunday, a short program and candlelight vigil at the Center for Spiritual Living, Fresno allows
members of the community to speak and share their commemorative words. Community leader and
successful business owner Terance Frazier, of Frazier Realty & Investments will be the keynote speaker.
After the march, which begins at St. John’s Cathedral at 10 AM, a commemorative program full of
talent, speakers, and recognition of the awardees at the Veteran’s Auditorium finishes the weekend
events. The Commemoration program will feature speaker Mark E. Cullers, Assistant United States
Attorney Chief, Fresno.
For more information about all these events, a flyer from the website can be downloaded at:
www.fresnomlk.com.