Los Angeles Unified Board of Education Approves Commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (01-17-23)

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Patrice Marshall McKenzie 
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 17, 2023

Los Angeles Unified Board of Education Approves Commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Dr. King and the National Day of Service

Los Angeles, CA (Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023) – Today, the Los Angeles Unified Board of Education approved the commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the National Day of Service. The District pledges to embed the lessons left behind by Dr. King on social justice and civil rights into its curriculums. 

The resolution was authored by Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III and co-sponsored by all board members in attendance. 

“It is important now more than ever that we teach our students that young people have the capacity to make change right now,” Board Member Dr. McKenna said. “Dr. King made an impact on the world as a very young man, and his life should be an example of what is possible for our students.”

“We recognize and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the truly indelible legacy of equity, justice and grace he left behind,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “Perhaps more apropos than ever, Dr. King was a true activist who showed the world that violence is never the answer.”

“Joining together in service to the community, whether it’s righting wrongs, making the world more beautiful or simply giving a hand to someone who needs it, is the greatest way to honor Dr. King and his legacy,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “Los Angeles Unified is proud to take part in the day of service in his name.”

“The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service offers Los Angeles Unified an opportunity to honor the spirit of service and empowerment that he embodied, giving students the opportunity to make their ideals real, to connect with other young people in service activities and to build the foundation for a life of service,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. 

“Beyond a life of service, Dr. King challenged our nation’s civic institutions, economic systems, and body politic to recognize the dignity and worth of all people through non-violence, principled struggle and direct action,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “As a public institution, Los Angeles Unified continues the legacy of Dr. King’s commitment to educational and social justice.” 

“I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and reaffirm our commitment to living a life in service of others and working to end systemic racism in our school communities—not just on one day out of the year, but every day,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said.

“Each of us is responsible for ensuring that we have a better tomorrow,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “Martin Luther King Jr. did his part by devoting his life to the struggle for justice and equality. On this day and every day, we carry on Dr. King’s legacy and commit ourselves towards building a more just and equitable society. Participating in the MLK National Day of Service is one way to help make our community better.”

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