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"Every year, Dr. King's birthday provides us with an opportunity to not only pay tribute to the renowned civil rights leader, but to assess the progress we've made in realizing his dream," Mayor Giuliani said. "Now that we are looking forward to the dawn of a new century and a new millennium, Dr. King's birthday arrives this year with added significance. I think the best way we can honor Dr. King is to vow that, as we march together into the 21st century, racism and discrimination will be left behind -- and relegated to the history books."
The Mayor continued, "Although he was taken from us before his life's work was done, his impact on the civil rights movement is immeasurable. And in recognition of his life and his teachings, I have declared the week of January 15 - 22, 1999 as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Week."
An advocate of bringing about social change through non-violent protest, Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta on January 15, 1929. He devoted his life to improving the lives of African Americans and to ending segregation. Dr. King's life came to a violent and tragic end when he was assassinated on April 4, 1968.
The Mayor delivered his remarks at the Brooklyn Academy of Music Opera House. The Brooklyn tribute is the largest of its kind in the City marking Dr. King's birthday. The celebration brings New Yorkers of all backgrounds together to reaffirm their commitment to living in harmony. The Mayor has previously attended the event in 1995, 1996 and 1998.