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What We Do

El Paso County Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Committee

VISION

To promote the study of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s teachings as a way of living throughout the year.

MISSION

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Committee of the Pikes Peak Region exists for the following purposes:

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    		•  To recognize and help others recognize those elements of our personal lives and community which allow and encourage violence, racism, sexism, poverty and war.
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    		•  To plan and promote, during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday week and throughout the year, those programs and activities which lift the principles, philosophy and methods of Dr. King for the greatest number of our citizens, with specific focus toward the young.
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    		•  To encourage and establish in our community, and to model for the world, what Dr. King called the "Beloved Community"-a social order based upon peace and justice, with the elimination of violence, racism, sexism, poverty and war.


    A Message from the Committee

    The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Committee was established in 1985 by a group of citizens committed to commemorating a new national holiday with celebrations of the life and work of Dr. King. Their purpose, to promote peace, strive to improve relationships and bring harmony to all segments within our community, is carried on by the Committee today.

    This organization is committed to assisting all members of our community to better understand and appreciate our differences. We view these differences as assets that can be used to improve our quality of life as we play develop, grow, work and live together. The MLK, Jr. Holiday Committee has worked on a continuing basis to promote programs that make Colorado Springs, and El Paso County, an ideal community for all its citizens.

    With a focus on our youth, the MLK Jr. Holiday Committee sponsors an opening event each January at the City Auditorium. Many hundreds of area school children from districts throughout the community attend this celebration. In partnership with other organizations, many hundreds of community members join us for the candlelight march and service celebration on Sunday evening, before the holiday itself. We seek to partner with others to promote Dr. King's teachings throughout our community. Finally, with the generous support of individual, corporate and organizational donors, the committee awards scholarships to select graduating seniors who exemplify ideals and principles set forth by Dr. King.

    The Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Committee is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.


    2007-8 MLK, Jr. Holiday Committee

    2007-8 MLK, Jr. Holiday Committee.
    Photo by Fred Tower.
    Courtesy of Colorado Springs School District 11