U.S. Embassy And Islamabad Club Jointly Celebrate Martin Luther King Day

Islamabad, January 22, 2010 - U.S. Embassy Assistant Information Officer, Ariel Howard speaks to members of the Islamabad Club about the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 22, 2010

Islamabad - The Islamabad Club and the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy of the United States of America joined hands today to celebrate the birthday of American civil rights leader and Nobel laureate Dr. Martin Luther King. Against a backdrop of photographs of Dr. King, two American diplomats shared their views with the Pakistani audience on the life and achievements of this celebrated American.

Mr. Pat Contreras, Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, presented an overview of civil liberties in the United States. His talk focused on organizations and individuals involved in the protection of civil liberties.

Ms. Ariel Howard, Assistant Information Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, centered her talk on King's achievements.  She stated that "the celebration of Dr. King's life and message is more than remembrance-it is a renewed call to action for all who remain committed to the creation of his ‘beloved community."

Mr. Raffat Pasha of the Islamabad Club underlined the importance of Martin Luther King Day and talked about the Martin Luther King Reading Room, a library featuring American resource material, established at the Islamabad Club by the U.S. Embassy on August 20, 2009. He also announced that the Islamabad Club plans to screen films on the life of the Martin Luther King in the coming weeks.

 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent leader in the U.S. Civil Rights movement. King's efforts led to the 1963 March on Washington, where he delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech. There, he raised public consciousness of the civil rights movement and established himself as one of the greatest orators in U.S. history. In 1964, King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and discrimination through civil disobedience and non-violent protest. Dr.King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and Congressional Gold Medal in 2004.  Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a U.S. national holiday in 1986.