KLAS-TV Channel 8 News Las VegasLas Vegas Honors Martin Luther King, Jr.
AP File Photo: Aug. 28, 1963
(AP File Photo)(Scroll down for events and links )
Millions of people will honor the life and work of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The civil rights leader was a man of conviction and dedication who tried to solve the segregation issue with a philosophy of non-violence.
King was assassinated in 1968, but his message of unity and tolerance continues through his memory. Americans are continuing his passionate plight with services around the country.
Local religious leader Reverend Jesse Scott remembers meeting Dr. King at several different speeches in Los Angeles. But Reverend Scott says it's not his speeches that we need to remember -- it's how Dr. King lived his life.
Rev. Scott said, "We all have a way to go to make it the kind of world he wanted it to be. That ought to be our challenge." Reverend Scott is excited and honored to be one of the grand marshals in Saturday's MLK parade.
Over the weekend Southern Nevadans will be celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On Saturday morning, the annual parade will be held in downtown Las Vegas along Fourth Street.
The parade starts at 10 a.m. and runs until about 12 p.m. Anchors Paula Francis and Gary Waddell are honored to return as hosts.
There are also events throughout the weekend, including workshops, speakers and cultural tribute to the civil rights leader at several different centers around the county. Click here for details.
Peace Fest 2006, which commemorates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will take place on Monday, Jan. 16, at the Clark County Community Resource Center, located at 2432 N. Martin L. King Boulevard at Carey Avenue. The free event is from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It will be immediately followed by a candlelight vigil around the statue of King, which will conclude at about 4:30 p.m.
"The Legacy of MLK" will be celebrated Sunday, Jan. 15th at the West Las Vegas Library Theater at 951 West Lake Mead Blvd.. The event begins with a reception at 6 p.m. and a program at 7 p.m. featuring Jawanza Kunjufu, who will discuss the effect of the work of King on past and future generations of Americans.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Annual Banquet, is on Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, 3700 W. Famingo Rd. Individual tickets cost $100 and a table costs $1,000. The keynote speaker is Fred Keeton, VP External Affairs & Diversity of Harrah's Entertainment. For more information, call 327-6780 or 610-6993.
Martin Luther King was assassinated in 1968. He was 39 years old.
Monday is a national holiday in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All federal, state and city offices are closed as well as schools, public libraries and some banks.
Read Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 28, 1963.
To learn more about Dr. Martin Luther King, check out the following websites:
