Tribute to MLK on Capitol Hill

None by KCPW

(KCPW News) As much of the state took the day off to commemorate the legacy of Martin Luther King Junior, Utah lawmakers went back to work. Speaking to the State Legislature, human rights activist Dr. Forrest Crawford reminded lawmakers of the many years it took to make the day an official holiday in Utah:

"We've come a long ways from those reticent - even venomous - days when the late Coretta Scott King stood before this body in February of 1986 asking that Utah join other states in honoring her husbands legacy," said Dr. Crawford. "We're now in a place where we annually see the wisdom of transmitting a profound message that begins the work of the people."

It wasn't until 2001 that Utah lawmakers agreed to change the name of the January 15th holiday from Human Rights Day to Martin Luther King Junior Day. Dr. Crawford asked lawmakers to let the civil rights leader's message of hope, freedom and equality guide their decisions during the 45-day session of the Legislature.

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