Dear Friends,

On behalf of the State of North Carolina, I am pleased to invite you to the 2014 North Carolina State Employees MLK Observance celebration to be held January 17, 2014, at First Baptist Church on Salisbury Street, Raleigh, North Carolina.  This annual event will commemorate the life and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on our state and nation and will be an opportunity for fellowship for state employees and all citizens.  This year’s theme is Content of Character.

Our nation was founded on the principles that all men are created equal.  Dr. King devoted his life to seeking equality and justice for all.  In celebrating his rich legacy, we celebrate his life and the heritage of the civil rights movement that has strengthened us as individuals and as a nation.

An outstanding state employee who has made an impact on human and race relations at work and in the community will be recognized with the John R. Larkins Award.  Dr. Marino Bruce, Professor of Criminal Justice and Sociology at Jackson State University in Mississippi, and a North Carolina State University graduate, will be the keynote speaker.  The children from Torchlight Academy will recite verses, in different languages, from Dr. King’s historic I Have a Dream speech.  I hope you can join us for this day of reflection, music and celebration.  Please see our flyer for additional information or contact the Governor’s Office of Community and Constituent Affairs at 919-814-2046. 

Kindest regards,

Pat McCrory