ABOUT NEW MEXICO MARTIN LUTHER KING JR STATE COMMISSION
The New Mexico State Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission was established in 1991 by the Legislature of the State of New Mexico. It was introduced by Senator's Cisneros,Roman Maes, Mary Jane Garcia, Gloria Howes, and Shannon Robinson.
The mission for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission is to promote cultural awareness and human rights through Dr. King's life philosophy and six principles of nonviolent social action to all peoples of New Mexico. "Nonviolence is not just about a person, one family, or one community, it is a holistic philosophy. All life is interrelated; we are all tied together," said Coretta Scott King.
The MLK Commission aims is to improve interracial cooperation and appreciation while attempting to reduce juvenile delinquency in our communities. The commission continues to work with local affiliates (organizations, schools, churches, municipalities, and others) by providing the necessary support within the limits and guidelines of the statutes. In this capacity, the commission sponsors Youth Against Violence Symposiums in schools and distributes Dr. King's Infusion Model for Teaching Nonviolent Principles in Schools(K-12 Grades).
Twenty one high-achieving young men and women from New Mexico visited the cradle of the
Civil Rights Movement in Atlanta in August, thanks to scholarships from the state Martin Luther
King Jr. Commission, and educational consultants, Coca- Cola of Santa Fe, Wal-Mart, and ERead Corporation, of Albuquerque.
The students, who hail from all over the state, won scholarships to attend the MLK Commission’s 2007 Leadership Trip based on the quality of artwork, talent or essays they submitted at the 10th Annual New Mexico MLK Youth Conference in June.
“Through their dedication to and knowledge of the principles of non-violence taught by Dr. King, these children have shown they are among the best the state has to offer,” said MLK commission executive director Joella Redmon.
The highlight of the leadership trip was the King Center in Atlanta, which is both the final resting place of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Ivirs. Coretta S. King, a living memorial to the advancement of their doctrine ofjustice, equality and peace, said Redmon.
“These already outstanding students will benefit greatly by seeing the writings and other artifacts of the great leader Dr. King,” said Redmon. “Young people of all colors have been and always will be inspired by his example.” 
The 21 students, accompanied by 10 chaperones, left Albuquerque on August 1st and travel to Atlanta by bus. The bus fare, hotel stay, and all meals were included in the scholarship. The students will returned to Albuquerque on August 8th.
During their time in Atlanta, the students visited the city’s historic Coca Cola Factory and the historically Emory University. The visit historically black Morehouse College, where Dr. King earned an undergraduate degree in sociology.
The students’ winning essay and art contest projects will stay on display at the MLK media center for a period of one year.
The MLK media center is located in the MLK State Commission office at 8100 Mountain NE, Suite 101, in Albuquerque.
Contact: JoElla Redmon, Executive Director or David G. Griffin, PlO
Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission
505.841.9117 or fax 505.841.9119
