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MLK day marked with renewed calls for holiday
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Posted on Jan 17 2005
The islands’ African-American got together with government officials and members of the community at Pacific Island Club yesterday to celebrate the 76th birthday of civil rights pioneer Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
In line with the celebration was the renewed push for the declaration of a Martin Luther King holiday in the CNMI—as observed by other states in the U.S. mainland.
After an opening prayer led by Brante Dashiell, Ambrose M. Bennett opened the event by thanking guests for taking time to recognize and honor King as a man of sacrifice, for his ideology of non-violence and equality for all.
Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente spoke of King’s ideology of love for one another and expressed admiration for King’s incessant passion to serve others. “American history is utterly unimaginable without a Martin Luther King, Jr. [in it],” he said.
Besides Benavente, other officials present included public information officer Pete Callaghan, Department of the Interior’s Jeff Schorr, House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial, Superior Court judge Kenneth Govendo, among other guests.
Govendo also spoke briefly on behalf of the all judiciary officials and promised to help the lobby efforts to make King’s birthday one of the major holidays in the CNMI.
Though Bennett clarified that this event simply commemorates King’s exemplary contribution to the world, he said that recognizing this day as one of CNMI’s major holidays would be highly appreciated since this day is also celebrated throughout the United States.
Dr. John Joyner said that the gathering yesterday was an opportunity for the group to celebrate the legacy, the life and the dream of the man infused with a passion for peace. “It is for us to reaffirm our personal and collective faith in non-violence,” he said, “To recommit ourselves to making Dr. King’s commitment to world peace a reality.”
Fitial made a brief speech as well, saying that he is grateful for this tribute to one of the greatest men in modern history.
Martha Warfield closed the ceremony followed by a musical entertainment provided by Sam Joyner. (Marconi Calindas)
