On April 27, 1984, President Reagan signed legislation establishing the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday Commission. The Commission called for federal coordination of efforts to encourage organizations and people of diverse backgrounds to develop appropriate commemorative observances of the holiday.In honor of this great American, County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi and the people who live and work in Nassau County continue to commemorate Dr. Martin Liuther King, Jr. Day.
Awards are presented to honorees who espouse the philosophy of Dr. King and emulate his work in "building bridges" and generating unity among diverse populations. (See our roster of Award Recipients)
Winners of the Youth Essay Scholarship Awards are presented at the luncheon. Scholarships are sponsored, in part, by the Sikh Forum and tha Urban League. In the 23 years since the Birthday Celebration Committee was established, more than $250,000.00 in scholarships have been awarded to the bright, talented, deserving youth of Nassau County.
Appropriately, an Interfaith Service is held on the eve of the holiday. Hosted at different houses of worship each year, constituents of various religious communities come together in peace and solidarity to honor Dr. King. Renowned speakers, priests, preachers, rabbis, Imams,soloists, cantors, choirs, and choruses have participated in services in churches, and synagogues in the true spirit of ecumenism; in the true spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Birthday Celebration Committee welcomes volunteers, donors, sponsors and supporters. We invite the business, religious and educational communities to join the government, labor and youth in support of this county-wide commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King.
The Board of Directors
Julius O. Pearse, President Gerald G. Wright, Esq., Vice President
Rev. Reginald Tuggle, Executive Secretary Parveen P. Chopra, Ph.D., Treasurer
Rodney H. McRae, Executive Committee Chairman
