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The Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr., Coalition-Hawaii
2008 is the 20th anniversary of the Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday in Hawai'i. The Celebration has grown a lot over these years. The holiday was officially proclaimed by the state legislature to be the 3rd Monday of January. Beginning January 16, 1989.
During the heady days of the 80s when the state had lots of money, the Martin Luther King commission was formed by the state. The interim commission was formed July 1, 1989 to June 30 1990. Then a permanent commission was formed. The State of Hawai'i Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, (with commissioners from many different ethnic groups), won National awards for its scope and depth of the holiday celebrations. In 1995 as the state’s commission was sunset. The remaining money was transferred to the Civil Rights Commission.
To continue the work of the Commission, on January 11, 1989 the Governor of the State of Hawai`i proclaimed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day January 16, 1989. It was proceeded by a week long celebration involving participation from the public and private sectors, diverse ethnic and cultural groups dedicated to keep Dr. Martin Luther King's dream alive. The success of the first commemoration was the result of good planning and hard work by the MLK, Jr. Holiday Committee chaired by Dr. Donnis Thompson.
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Coalition –Hawai`i was incorporated in 1995 by a group of dedicated African-American residents of Honolulu. The coalition is a non-profit organization, which performs many community service events that carry on Dr. King's principles of peace for all mankind.
In 1998, Mayor Jeremy Harris and The City & County of Honolulu became the co-sponsor of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Since that time, the Coalition has coordinated the holiday and other community events, which has grown larger each year.
The purposes for which the coalition is organized are:
- To promote the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday as a day of national and community service and one to reflect upon the principles of interracial cooperation and equality, youth anti-violence initiatives, social change through the nonviolent resolution of conflict, dedication to global peace, social justice, economic security, and the eradication of poverty as espoused by Dr. King;
- To encourage and facilitate meetings, rallies, classes, films, and any other meaningful activities during, but not limited to, the week preceding the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday;
- To involve business, government, labor, religious, ethnic, educational, community service groups, and all segments of the civilian and military population in the planning and execution of activities; and
- To promote all three elements of the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday (remember, celebrate, and act) as an integral part of every observance program and activity.
Patricia Anthony -
President ahehong@aol.com
Juliet Begley - Secretary jbegley002@hawaii.rr.com
William Rushing, - Treasurer rushingsr@juno.com
Scott Foster - Vice President fosters005@hawaii.rr.com
Bell Ringing Ceremony:
Co-chair - Rev. Charlene Zuill wesleyfoundation@hawaii.rr.com
Co-chair Marsha Joyner - mrjoy@hawaii.rr.com
Parade Committee:
Co-chair - Bill Rushing rushingsr@juno.com
Co-chair Pat Anthony patanthony@juno.com
Unity Rally
Interim Chair - Patricia Anthony ahehong@aol.com
Entertainment Chair - Jewel McDonald jayminty@earthlink.com