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CONTACT: Patrice Marshall McKenzie (213) 259-9763 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 23, 2024 |
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. 23, 2024) – 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.”
“This month, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s profound impact on civil and human rights,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “There is no better way to commemorate his legacy than to give back to our communities and help address the needs of our most vulnerable populations.”
“Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a Day of Service is a beautiful way to carry on his legacy of peace and equity. It is also a fitting tribute to Dr. George McKenna’s many years of service to our schools and students,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said.
“The message of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is timeless and resonates today just as it did during his lifetime,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “The spirit of service to better our communities starts with the individual, and if everyone does their part, then we can strive closer to the dream that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. told us about.”
Dr. Rocío Rivas said, “Commemorating the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. compels us bring people together throughout LA Unified to advance an equitable public education for all students, the Black Student Achievement Plan and so many more initiatives that uplift social justice among our school communities.”
“It is always an honor to celebrate the words and actions of Dr. Mr. Luther King Jr. through service to our school communities, and through a re-commitment to continued action in support of racial justice,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said.
“This month we recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, a renowned leader for racial equity and social justice. Dr. King’s legacy, and that of so many other remarkable leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, should push us all to work for a more just world where all children can achieve their dreams,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said.
“As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we remind ourselves about the progress we have made and how together we can continue to ensure our communities are more just and equitable,” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “Let’s continue his dream by engaging in on-going acts of service to help our communities become a better place for our students, families, and shared future.”
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