Humanitarian of Year Award ceremony to commemorate legacy of Dr. King

MARTINEZ, Calif. – For the 39th time Contra Costa County will pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who coincidentally lived to age 39.

Every January a local adult and student are honored for actions that best echo the spirit of Dr. King, as a way to commemorate his Jan. 15 birthday, and inspirational impact on the non-violent, equality, justice and humanitarian movement in the United States.

The public is invited to the 2017 Humanitarian of the Year Awards event honoring Adult Humanitarian of the Year Jim Noe, and Monte Vista High School student Paige Godvin, whose actions exemplify elements of Dr. King’s legacy.

Board of Supervisors Chair Federal Glover will emcee a program revealing why they were chosen. The event will include Superior Court Judge Diana Becton as keynote speaker, entertainment by award-winning Gospel singer Terrance Kelly and free a buffet lunch to follow in the Board of Supervisors chamber, Jan. 17 at 11 a.m.

A Nobel prize winner and Baptist minister, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1964 “I Have a Dream” speech helped inspire a multi-racial coalition of civil rights groups that effectively furthered the interests of minorities and the poor in the United States.

King said, “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.”

Christopher Columbus and George Washington are the only other Americans honored by a legal federal holiday in the U.S.

To learn more about past Humanitarian Award programs and winners, visit www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/5307/Dr-Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Ceremony

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