For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2012

Media Contact: Gail Gaston--cell#: 559-681-3140 email: GDEMVOTE@aol.com Website: www.fresnomlk.com

The Fresno Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend continues on with the help of community leaders and the city of Fresno
Fresno, CA As the 83rd birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. approaches, January 15th, the Greater Fresno area is once again having a weekend of celebration, thanks to various community leaders who have continued to support the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Committee, (MLKU Committee) with funding and resources. The MLKU Committee, made of volunteers from throughout Fresno County, continues to secure the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s 28-year legacy in Fresno, thanks to key sponsors such as Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commissions, executive director Brian Angus and department store Macys. Other community leadersthe Clovis Police Department, The Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce, Oliver Baines, District 3 councilperson, and KGPE TV CBS47are also stepping in to secure funding for the 2012 Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration to commence. With dates confirmed, and funding found, the weekend of celebration will continue as follows: The Opening Ceremony on Jan. 13, at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. bust in front of the Fresno County Courthouse garners local community leaders, school districts, and young talents who engage thereafter in placing flowers around the MLK bust. Keynote speaker Larry L. Powell, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, will open up the celebratory weekend with the theme: Living the Dream, Let Freedom Ring for Healing the American Dream. Later on that evening, six award recipients, chosen based on the 2012 theme, will be honored at a City Hall reception sponsored by the Fresno Metro Black Chamber of Commerce; they will be commended for their service to the community. This years award recipients include: Susan Bechara & Arthur Dyson for the Outstanding Service Awards; Bringing Broken Neighborhoods Back to Life for Outstanding Organization Award; Dave Casner for Outstanding Business Award and Kyvon Brown and Bridget Midgett for the Outstanding Youth Awards. The next morning a community breakfast at the Clovis Veteran's Memorial Auditorium will feature local talents and keynote speaker Dr. Francine Oputa, followed later that evening by an All-Faith Service at the Community Gym on California and Elm streets.

On Sunday, a short program and candlelight vigil at the Center for Spiritual Living, Fresno allows members of the community to speak and share their commemorative words. Community leader and successful business owner Terance Frazier, of Frazier Realty & Investments will be the keynote speaker. After the march, which begins at St. Johns Cathedral at 10 AM, a commemorative program full of talent, speakers, and recognition of the awardees at the Veterans Auditorium finishes the weekend events. The Commemoration program will feature speaker Mark E. Cullers, Assistant United States Attorney Chief, Fresno. For more information about all these events, a flyer from the website can be downloaded at: www.fresnomlk.com.