Karachi
United States Consul General Brian Heath commemorated ‘Martin Luther King Jr Day’ with 100 students of the English Access Microscholarship and Pakistan American Cultural Center (PACC).
The event included a viewing of King’s iconic ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, a speaking competition and two skits. Also attending the event were Evolution CEO Sidra Niaz, PACC President Fahim Millwalla, former PACC president Rafiq Tabani and PACC English Language Programs Director Madiha Rehman.
“Dr Martin Luther King, Jr was an inspiring individual who spent his life working towards peaceful change. He believed in the hope of a better world for all. Dr King embodied the exceptional values of compassion, courage, truth, justice, and service. Through his leadership and vision, the United States was forever changed into a society with greater equality for all,” said Heath.
He called on the participants to “take this moment to stand together with one voice and call for tolerance, peace, and non-violence; all values that Martin Luther King, Jr held dear.”
According to Heath, Dr King envisioned a world where people and nations triumphed over poverty, racism, war, and violence. “He adamantly believed that love and trust will triumph over fear and hatred,” said Heath, while noting that Dr King’s powerful words inspired others to “build bridges between people and spread the message of peace.”
Martin Luther King Jr Day, an American federal holiday, is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around Dr King’s birthday, January 15. Dr King was the chief figure for non-violent activism in the civil rights movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. Evolution Access Microscholarship Programs provide talented 13 to 17-year-olds from underprivileged communities of Karachi the chance to take English language programs,
while promoting community and youth empowerment through capacity-building and training.