City of San Antonio celebrates the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. with annual commemoration

- Invited guest speakers include Boyce Watkins, Frederick D. Haynes, III -

SAN ANTONIO, Jan. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The City of San Antonio commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with an annual series of events that culminates with one of the nation's largest Martin Luther King, Jr. marches on Monday, Jan. 21, 2013. A testament to Dr. King's lasting impact on all Americans, this local City-sponsored march annually attracts approximately 100,000 participants and ends with a Commemorative Program featuring renowned guest speakers, entertainment and more. A special screening of the Presidential Inauguration will also take place during the Commemorative Program.

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Among the highlights of the multi-day commemoration, Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III – Senior Pastor at Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas – will deliver a keynote address at the Commemorative Program that follows the historic march. Renowned author and financial scholar, Dr. Boyce Watkins, will speak at Trinity University's MLK, Jr. Commemorative Lecture on Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. at the University's Laurie Auditorium.

"Each year, millions of Americans honor the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.," Mayor Julian Castro said. "In San Antonio, we are proud to consistently host one of the largest annual commemorations in the United States."

Since 1987, the City of San Antonio has celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. King with an annual City-sponsored march that now attracts more than 100,000 attendees each year.  Last year, the City's 25th annual commemoration featured special guest speakers Martin Luther King, III, the eldest son of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King; and Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of human rights activist Malik Al-Shabazz (widely known as Malcolm X) and Betty Shabazz.

Along with Haynes and Watkins as guests speakers, this year's commemoration celebrates the theme, "More Than a March," with a series of events spanning six days that includes an art reception; a Youth Empowerment Summit for parents and children; a Wreath-laying Ceremony honoring the life, struggles and accomplishments of Dr. King; a Citywide Interfaith Service and more that lead up to the march and Commemorative Program.

Also, as part of its annual commemoration, the City of San Antonio Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission administers a scholarship program to help fund a portion of the college tuition of several deserving students, regardless of race or ethnicity. Each year, the Commission awards thousands of dollars in scholarships.

"A major component of the City of San Antonio's annual commemoration of Dr. King is focused on youth and education. Through our events that engage parents and children, families can come together to experience and learn about Dr. King's principles and beliefs. This is one way to ensure the legacy of Dr. King is preserved for future generations," said District 2 Councilwoman Ivy Taylor, Honorary Chair of the City of San Antonio Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission.

The Martin Luther King, Jr. March and Commemorative Program take place on January 21. The 2.75 mile-long march route begins at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Academy, 3501 Martin Luther King Dr., at 10 a.m. and ends at Pittman Sullivan Park, 1101 Iowa St., all on San Antonio's historic East Side.

For more information on the City of San Antonio's annual commemoration, the scholarship program, and a complete list of events, visit www.sanantonio.gov/mlk.

A Model City for all America: San Antonio

San Antonio is a model city for the new face of America—a diverse, progressive and globally competitive city with a solid vision for national and international economic development. In 2012, San Antonio was named an All-America City by the National Civic League.  The City of San Antonio maintains a strong financial position with a "AAA" general obligation bond rating from all three major rating agencies.  The Milken Institute has ranked San Antonio No. 1 on its Best-Performing Cities list.  As the seventh-largest city in the United States, San Antonio is experiencing solid economic growth in 21^st century industries such as bioscience and healthcare.  Biotech companies and healthcare systems in San Antonio contribute billions to the local economy. The Aerospace industry remains a dominant economic strength in San Antonio with the presence of several aviation and aerospace corporations, including the military.   The military has had a significant relationship with San Antonio for more than 200 years and is home to several military commands.  The city is also a cybersecurity hub; nationally recognized as a leader in the field of information security.  San Antonio is positioning itself to be at the forefront of the New Energy Economy in the United States, committed to investing and creating employment opportunities in green industries.  The travel industry also remains a consistent growing economy for the city, as millions of people visit San Antonio on a yearly basis.  For more information, visit www.sanantonio.gov. 

SOURCE City of San Antonio