News Release
For Immediate Release: Jan. 17, 2019
Information Contact: Carmen Barney, Idaho Human Rights Commission, (208) 334-2873 ext. 3682; Renee Bade, Serve Idaho, (208) 332-3578 ext. 4061
Serve Idaho and the Idaho Human Rights Commission are participating in the Idaho Human Rights/Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at the Idaho State Capitol on Monday, Jan. 21.
Activities are centered in the Capitol rotunda, 2nd floor, beginning at noon Monday with a performance by Boise State University trumpeters.
Gov. Brad Little will read the Idaho Human Rights Day proclamation followed by a keynote speaker and inspiring messages from a diverse array of Idaho citizens. Labor Director Jani Revier will provide closing remarks. The event includes a performance by Mariachi De Mi Tierra, a mariachi composed of local area youth.
The keynote speaker Palina Louangketh, adjunct faculty member at Boise State University, arrived in Boise in 1981 with her mother and siblings after fleeing from Laos in the wake of the Vietnam War. Today, with 22 years of experience in the health care industry, she has a passion for community advocacy and helping others find inspiration. Louangketh also is founder and executive director of what will be the Idaho Museum of International Diaspora.
“Join us as we commit to community service as a means to break down social and economic barriers, bring our citizens together and work to improve the quality of life for all Idahoans,” said Ben Earwicker, administrator of HRC, the organization sponsoring the Capitol event.
Community organizations will be on hand to talk to visitors about supporting MLK Jr’s philosophy of actively participating and volunteering in their communities. Serve Idaho will staff a table to share information about AmeriCorps and the many opportunities available for individuals to serve.
The HRC will also staff a table with information about the commission and its role in the lives of Idaho citizens.
Prior to the noon events, Boise State University launches the “MLK Day of Greatness” at the Student Union Jordan Ballroom at 8:30 a.m. with poster making. A march to the Capitol steps will begin at approximately 10:30 a.m. culminating in a rally ending at noon. For more information on this event, visit https://mlk.boisestate.edu/.
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The Idaho Human Rights Commission enforces state and federal anti-discrimination laws in Idaho and provides mediation services to resolve complaints. The Commission also provides free training for businesses and organizations throughout the state. Find out more at https://humanrights.idaho.gov/.
Serve Idaho, a division of the Idaho Department of Labor, encourages voluntary public service and volunteerism throughout the state. The Serve Idaho Commission is funded in part by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Idaho Department of Labor. Find out more at https://serveidaho.gov/.
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