About Us

HISTORY, MISSION & VISION OF MLK COMMISSION

History – The New Mexico Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission is a state agency created by the legislature of the state of New Mexico, pursuant to NMSA 1978, 28-19-1 through – 4 (1991). Enacted by the Legislature of the State of New Mexico in 1991, the New Mexico Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission was created to develop, promote, coordinate and review statewide plans and activities for the annual commemoration and celebration of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. The Commission is comprised of thirteen members as follows:

(1) four members appointed by the governor;

(2) one member appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate;

(3) one member appointed by the minority leader of the senate;

(4) one member appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives;

(5) one member appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives;

(6) the state treasurer or his designee;

(7) the Secretary of State or his designee;

(8) a native American appointed by the New Mexico office of Indian affairs [Indian affairs department];

(9) the director of the human rights division of the labor department or his designee; and

(10) the chairman of the New Mexico state corporation commission [public regulation commission] or his designee.

Mission

Mission – To advance Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of human rights, equality, nonviolence, social change, unity and interconnectedness by engaging the people of New Mexico through remembrance, celebration, and purposeful action.

Vision

Vision – To build a connected network of community organizations driven by collaboration, coordination, and cooperation to advance Dr. King’s principles. By forming partnerships with those committed to social justice, fostering alliances with groups aligning with his values, and investing in initiatives that enhance community engagement, we aim to expand the reach and impact of his legacy.

THE DREAM LIVES ON!

Our Purpose:

  • To develop and submit to the governor and the legislature recommendations for specific commemorative activities to be undertaken by the state for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday:
  • To develop and acquire interpretive materials and publications on the significance of Martin Luther King, Jr’s work and develop a commemorative program for state employees, school children and the general public.
  • To coordinate state plans and activities with federal plans and activities for the commemoration and celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday:
  • To develop, with other agencies of the state, an interpretive program that explores the historical, social, political and cultural themes associated with the life and works of Martin Luther King, Jr.:
  • To create a process to facilitate the implementation of the master plan project and other recommendations made by the commission:
  • To prepare and provide to the general public advice, assistance and information on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday activities recommended by the commission:
  • To submit other studies, reports and recommendations to the governor and the legislature as are necessary with respect to activities for the continued commemoration and celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr: and
  • To accept endowments and bequests for the Martin Luther King, Jr. fund.