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FOR PRESS INQUIRIES, CONTACT:  Amy Susan (573) 751-1518
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  January 14, 2011

Department Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Jefferson City, Mo- Because of the efforts and sacrifices made by this legendary civil rights leader, Missourians are protected from discrimination at their workplaces, in housing, at restaurants, schools, parks, hotels, and movie theaters. Through the Missouri Human Rights Act, an average of 2,075 people each year fight for their right to live discrimination-free by filing a complaint with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR).

Through Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s commitment to equality, human rights protection agencies, such as the MCHR, were created. Established in 1958, the MCHR’s goal is to eliminate discrimination through the enforcement of the Missouri Human Rights Act and prevent social inequality through education and outreach. The Missouri Commission on Human Rights is authorized to investigate complaints in employment, public accommodations, and housing – if the reason for the alleged discrimination is based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, age (40 – 69 in employment only), and familial status (families with children under the age of 18 in housing only).

To celebrate this year’s holiday, Dr. Alisa Warren, MCHR Executive Director, attended the “Central Missouri MLK Day of Service” program today. Bill Miller, the keynote speaker, shared his perspectives of growing up in the segregated South and how Dr. King inspired him to “walk the talk, to stand up for peace and righteousness, and do something for someone else”.  He encouraged the audience to remember that the upcoming MLK holiday is a day of service and to “Make it a day on, not a day off”, which also happens to be the motto of the national Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. theme.

 

Dr. Warren pictured here with keynote speaker Bill Miller, OA Personnel Director 

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