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With the important mission of promoting nonviolence, unity and opportunity for all, it’s disappointing the Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission remains embroiled in controversy.
Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver recently said she’s not attending commission meetings until further notice because of questions about the setup and function of the Martin Luther King Jr. Foundation. State Treasurer Tim Eichenberg says commission Executive Director Leonard Waites created the foundation in 2017 and placed his son, Nathan Waites, in charge. But Eichenberg says it’s unclear how much money has been donated to and disbursed by the foundation.
Leonard Waites says the foundation’s only role is to raise funds for the annual MLK Indoor Track Invitational and the foundation has never received money from the commission. He also says his son is an unpaid volunteer.
By News Editor And Partners
• Jan 12, 2021
Credit NAACP-Doña Ana County chapter / Courtesy photo The Doña Ana County chapter of the NAACP will present a Martin Luther King, Jr. virtual event on Martin Luther King, Junior Day, Monday, January 18, at 10 a.m.
There is no charge to attend the virtual breakfast. To register, visit www.naacpdac.org or send an email to info@naacpdac.org.
The event will include a 45-minute speech King delivered in April 1961 that offers powerful insights into 2020-21, according to NAACP President Bobbie Green, Ph.D.
The presentation also will include a panel discussion about the Black Lives Matter movement, the murder of George Floyd, and other civil rights issues.
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The mission of the Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission is to promote the late civil rights leader’s philosophy of nonviolence, unity and opportunity for all through a host of programs. The commission conducts MLK youth leadership conferences and organizes events around Martin Luther King Jr. Day, including the MLK March/Parade and Commemoration Ceremony in Albuquerque on the Saturday before the National King Holiday in January. The MLK Commemoration Ceremony held directly after the march down Martin Luther King Boulevard to Civic Plaza includes youth vocal and dance performances, keynote speakers and awards, kicking off celebrations throughout the state commemorating the birthday of the civil rights activist, preacher and author.