An Official Website of the Commonwealth of Kentucky
Photos from 2024 Kentucky Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission Celebration
Mission
The Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission is composed of members appointed by the Governor from diverse backgrounds in Kentucky life, including individuals associated with labor, industry, commerce, government, civil rights, education, youth organizations, sports, fine arts, and entertainment.
The Commission’s mission is to:
Promote the annual MLK holiday each January as an occasion to reflect upon the principles of racial equality and nonviolent social change as espoused by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Encourage appropriate ceremonies and activities relating to the MLK holiday.
Promote community service in honor of the principles taught by Dr. King.
Provide advice and assistance to local governments and private organizations with respect to observance of the holiday.
Promote the holiday for interracial cooperation and youth antiviolence initiatives.
Whereas, we honor this mortal man, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who made the ultimate sacrifice; therefore, it is the Commission’s intention to promote unity, equality and justice for all people in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the United States and the world.
Wednesday, March 13 at noon ET
Oratorical Committee
Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88613973358?pwd=QTdALn2xcHvzs0ZVSs-3GnR-fvXmbw.-eHAKuEez9zJMhPg
Passcode: 118163
Monday, April 1 – noon (virtual)
Monday, May 6 – noon (virtual)
Friday, June 7 – noon (EST)/11:00AM (CT) (Hopkinsville)
Monday, July 1 – noon (virtual)
Monday, August 5 – noon (virtual)
Monday, September 9 – noon (virtual)
Monday, October 7 – noon (virtual)
Monday, November 4 – noon (Elizabethtown)
Monday, December 2 – noon (virtual)
Kevin L. Russell, Radcliff, Chair
Megan Bailey, Bowling Green
Stan L. Holmes, Vine Grove
Althea Jackson, Louisville
Jamaal Jackson, Frankfort
Ruth D. Lynch, Hopkinsville
Natasha Murray, Lexington
Scott Palmer Mason, Bowling Green
Ashley M. Parrott, Louisville
Melvin L. Turner, Louisville
Katrisha Waldridge, Frankfort
Wanda Washington, Campbellsville
We, the members of the Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission, strongly condemn the violent acts that took place at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. The chaos that was wrought on that day is a direct result of deliberate and persistent efforts to create confusion and turmoil surrounding a democratic election.
While we are aware that it is the constitutional right of the people to peacefully assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances, the violent acts that took place in Washington, D.C. went far beyond. The terroristic actions of that day created multiple fatalities and injuries.
Furthermore, we denounce all hate and terror tactics used to intimidate fellow citizens because of their race, religion, political views, or any other difference. We are optimistic and urge that all perpetrators are held accountable.
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.