Release #034-97

Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Kim Serafin (212) 788-2958

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani celebrated the life and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today at celebrations throughout the City including the 11th Annual Brooklyn Salute at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Baptist Ministers' Conference and the 13th Annual C.O.R.E. Celebration.

"Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was more than a powerful orator, a courageous leader and a Nobel Prize winner. He left behind an enduring legacy of peace and toleration that will influence future generations in this country and throughout the world," said Mayor Giuliani. "Dr. King lived his life with courage and with love. His message of hope, peace and tolerance sent a message to all people, for all time."

"Dr. King encouraged people to build bridges of friendship and cooperation to other communities. He knew that our relationship to one another as brother and sister goes deeper than our racial, ethnic or religious identity," the Mayor continued. "The most important thing is our common humanity; our identity as human beings and New Yorkers. By working together we can change the world the way Dr. King had envisioned, by building bridges to other communities."

At the celebration at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the Mayor recognized Dr. King as a self-motivated, educated individual. "Dr. King was a visionary whose courage and determination changed the world forever. One of the most important things we can do is to pass along to our children the meaning of Dr. King's life," said the Mayor. "Dr. King worked to make things better beginning with excelling ion academics; enrolling in college at age 15. By the time he graduated, he was an ordained minister. Because he prepared himself well, he rose to every occasion, every challenge."

"By providing mutual support between various neighborhoods and communities, the Baptist Ministers' Conference strengthens our ties and binds us closer together. The Conference is a moving tribute to the love, honor and spirit in which Martin Luther King, Jr. lived his life," the Mayor said.

At the C.O.R.E. Dinner, the Mayor praised Roy Innis for his years of dedicated and courageous leadership of the organization.

"C.O.R.E. has always understood the power of the individual and the importance of equal opportunity and self-determination," said the Mayor. "Dr. King realized work offers the chance for personal growth, independence and freedom. Tonight's dinner is a meaningful tribute to the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr."

Today, Monday, January 20, is the annual observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday as a national holiday.