Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was the chief spokesman for nonviolent activism in the civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. The campaign for a federal holiday in King’s honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was first observed three years later. At first, some states resisted observing the holiday as such, giving it alternative names or combining it with other holidays. It was officially observed in all 50 states for the first time in 2000.
In 1997 the Bahá’ís of Paradise Valley initiated a proposal to commemorate this important National Holiday in conjunction with local officials in the Town of Paradise Valley. Starting in the year 2000 an Award was established to honor those working for harmony, justice, unity and diversity in society. In conjunction with local schools, an Essay Contest was conceived to engage students–our future leaders–in dialogue about the vision of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the promotion of unity and the tackling of racism as a most vital and challenging issue facing America. Also in 2013, an annual community service project was initiated to promote action among youth and junior youth. Every year donation bins for non-perishable food items are placed at Town Hall and sent to the Paradise Valley Emergency Food Bank. Since 2017 we have added an online gallery to view images of the luncheon in Town Hall and in 2021 we broadcast our first live stream of MLK Day festivities. The year 2023 marks the 25th Anniversary of the Celebration. The Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of Paradise Valley and the Bahá’í Community of Paradise Valley, founding and key sponsor of the event, would like to thank the Town of Paradise Valley, Mayor and Town Council, Town Manager, Police Department, Public Works and all the volunteers, speakers, musicians and committee members who have worked tirelessly for over two decades to make this activity possible.
Town of Paradise Valley Website: https://www.paradisevalleyaz.gov/
Bahá’ís of Paradise Valley: https://www.scottsdalebahai.org/paradise-valley/
