Utah House pauses to honor Martin Luther King Jr.; Human Rights Commission presents nonviolence principles

Dr. Forrest Crawford, representing the Utah State Martin Luther King Human Rights Commission, introduced a commemorative program before the House that included readings on the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., musical performances and distribution of the commission’s six principles of nonviolence. "It's indeed a pleasure for the Utah State Martin Luther King Junior Human Rights Commission to be among you this morning," Dr. Crawford said as he introduced commission members and guests.

Professor Bob Ingram of Westminster College provided a brief narration on Dr. King’s message of nonviolence and brotherhood. The program included performances by the Rocky Mountain Children's Choir and a saxophone rendition of "We Shall Overcome" by Boone Cady, intended as the "national anthem of civil rights." The commission asked the legislature to support its ongoing activities, including outreach and education around nonviolent conflict resolution.

Governor Leavitt offered brief remarks linking Dr. King's legacy to Utah’s history and called for community and family efforts to carry forward the principles of nonviolence. "It is most appropriate on this opening day of the legislature here in the state of Utah that we should be commemorating this day," the governor said.

The House resolved into the Committee of the Whole for the program and later dissolved that committee by voice vote; Representative Pignanelli moved to have the greetings and program remarks, including the governor's response, spread upon the pages of the House Journal, and the motion passed. The ceremonial program concluded with a symbolic bell-ringing by the governor outside the chambers and the House reconvened for further business later in the day.