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County proclaims Jan. 20, 2025 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day; local leaders urge daily commitment to nonviolence
Summary
The El Paso County Board of Commissioners adopted a proclamation recognizing Jan. 20, 2025 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Community speakers urged making Dr. King's nonviolence and economic-justice aims a year-round practice.
The El Paso County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 14 adopted a proclamation recognizing Jan. 20, 2025 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and heard remarks from local faith and civic leaders who urged daily commitment to nonviolence and economic empowerment.
Minister Earl Shaffer Jr., vice president of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Legacy Preservation Society, told commissioners the holiday —3erves as a reminder that nonviolence is a daily practice, not just a single event.— He invited the public to events the week of Jan. 20, including an all-people—s breakfast at the Atlas Hotel featuring Isaac Newton Farris Jr., a nephew of Dr. King, as keynote speaker.
Shirley Martinez, president of the MLK Legacy Preservation Society, described the society—s work to bring Dr. King—s message into schools and to make programming approachable for children. Deborah representatives from community congregations, including Payne Chapel A.M.E., thanked the board for the proclamation and pledged continued community outreach.
Commissioners offered reflections tying Dr. King—s message to civic participation. Commissioner Wysong read the proclamation; Vice Chair Williams, Commissioner Bremer and others discussed the importance of teaching children about Dr. King and of focusing on nonviolence and economic opportunity.
The proclamation text, entered into the record by the board, cites Dr. King—s 1963 Lincoln Memorial address and designates Jan. 20, 2025 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in El Paso County. The board approved the proclamation on a roll-call vote of 5-0.
The board recessed after the proclamation for a group photograph; several community events tied to the proclamation were announced during public comment and are scheduled for the week of Jan. 20.
