FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Release # 011-00
Thursday, January 13, 2000
Contact: Sunny Mindel/Brenda Pérez (212) 788-2958
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today hosted a reception at City Hall honoring the
life and legacy of slain civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Joining
the Mayor were: Rudy Washington, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development; Reverend
Betty Neal, from Ministers of Harlem USA, Inc.; Commissioners, community leaders;
and sponsors.
The Mayor also presented this year's proclamation for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Week - January 17th through 22nd -- to Dr. Gregory McCants, Director of the New York Boys Choir and the City Housing Authority Youth Chorus, for his outstanding work with New York City's youth.
"As we find ourselves beginning a new millennium, Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr.'s message of hope, non-violence and tolerance speaks to us, perhaps more
loudly than ever," the Mayor said. "New York's diversity is at the
core of the vibrancy and energy that identify us as a City. It is my hope for
all New Yorkers that the 21st Century proves to be the time when we realize
Dr. King's dream of freedom and equality and we and our children live in peace
and unity."
An advocate of bringing about social change through non-violent protest, Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta on January 15, 1929. He devoted
his life in a quest for civil rights and end of segregation. Dr. King's life
came to a violent and tragic end when he was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
Today's event at City Hall was sponsored by Con Edison. Co-sponsors included: Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York, Schieffelin & Somerset Company, Heineken USA, and New York Sheraton Hotel & Towers.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday will be observed as a national holiday on Monday, January 17th.