Governor McCrory Proclaims January 20 "Martin Luther King Jr. Day" in North Carolina

Press Release

Governor Pat McCrory has proclaimed Monday, January 20 "Martin Luther King Jr. Day" in North Carolina, urging citizens to honor Dr. King's legacy through acts of service in their community that promote social justice and dignity for all.

Governor McCrory spoke at the State Employees' Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration today.

"When Dr. King called for the day when his children would not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character, he issued two challenges," said Governor McCrory. "First, that we, as a society, end racial prejudice. The other, more personal, is that we be judged by the content of our individual character, a theme that we celebrate today."

The event included the announcement of this year's winner of the John R. Larkins award. Named after a former state employee and pioneering race relations advocate, the award is one of the highest honors in the state.

This year's recipient is Mary B. Farrar, claims investigator in the Department of Public Safety's Office of Victim Services in the Victims Compensation Services Section.

Members of the Martin Luther King Jr. Commission selected Farrar. The commission works to encourage appropriate ceremonies and activities throughout North Carolina relating to the observance of the legal holiday honoring Dr. King's birthday. It also works to promote an awareness and appreciation of the life and work of Dr. King. Clarence Henderson, Shakeal Moore and Warren Turner have been appointed to the commission.

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