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Martin Luther King Jr. Commission addresses Utah Senate on Human Rights Day
Summary
The Martin Luther King Jr. Commission and state leaders appeared before the Senate as a Committee of the Whole for Human Rights Day, urging civic responsibility, nonviolence, and a balance of rights and responsibilities; presentations were made by Sandra Adams, David Winder, and Joan Smith.
The Utah State Senate resolved into the Committee of the Whole on Jan. 18, 1999, to receive a special presentation marking Human Rights Day and Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Sandra Adams, director of the Martin Luther King Commission, introduced a community-centered program of speakers and partnerships aimed at advancing respect and coalition-building across the state.
David Winder, executive director of State Community and Economic Development, told senators that Dr. King’s method combined moral responsibility and nonviolence, urging public servants to emphasize both rights and duties. “The foundation of such a method is love,” Winder said, urging senators to pass laws and conduct debate that foster service and compassion.
Joan Smith of the National Conference for Community and Justice spoke about the holiday’s meaning for her personally and urged the Senate to work toward inclusion and respect rather than exclusion. Several senators joined in support, and the commission presented a small token to the chamber. The Committee of the Whole was then dissolved and members’ remarks were ordered to be spread on the Senate Journal.
The presentation framed the holiday as an opportunity for the legislature to recommit to ending poverty, discrimination, and violence by governing with both rights and responsibilities.
