Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Release # 011-00
Thursday, January 13, 2000

Release #-011

Contact: Sunny Mindel/Brenda Pérez (212) 788-2958


MAYOR GIULIANI HOSTS RECEPTION HONORING
THE LEGACY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.


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.


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