Utahns have opportunities to learn about King's legacy

Though Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated nearly 40 years ago, his message of peaceful social change still resonates through the minds of everyday Utahns striving for change, local and state leaders say.

And there will be plenty of opportunities for Utahns to get involved this weekend and learn more about the legacy of King, who was a pivotal figure in the nation's civil rights movement.

Betty Sawyer, president of the NAACP Ogden Branch, encouraged Utahns to take the opportunity to celebrate King's legacy: "People working together for the common good of mankind, eliminating economic and social barriers . . . being advocates and activists, and being able to do that in a peaceful and nonviolent way."

King's birthday has been a federal holiday, observed on the third Monday of January, since 1986. January has been black history month since the nation's bicentennial in 1976.

Events planned in Utah include commemorations of King's message, documentaries, and awards ceremonies to acknowledge those who strive for social change and racial unity.

"It's not enough to have the day off, sit at home and watch TV," Sawyer said. "Every college and university across the state is doing something, most are free. There's no excuse not to get out and participate, or help a neighbor."

Sawyer said King's struggle continues to this day — there are still racial disparities in areas such as educational attainment, health care and employment. She said it's troubling that minorities are still overrepresented in prisons.

Still, she sees a bright note: the state Legislature has partially funded an office of multicultural health.

Michael Styles, program manager of the Utah Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission, said economic development barriers remain for minorities. He said Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s focus on economic development shows promise.

"I think we are getting so much better," Styles said. "I think we have to dispel the myth that Utah is non-inclusive of people of color. The problem is there is such . . . a small population of people of color."

Styles said it's important to remember that King's message extended beyond the black civil rights movement.

"He was a human rights leader," Styles said. He said a viewing Sunday of the documentary "Citizen King" gives a comprehensive view of King's struggle for equality.

Here is a list of some of the events planned commemorating the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday: