Dr Martin Luther King Jr Kona Community Annual Celebration

501(c)(3)

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ABOUT US

PURPOSE: (a) To celebrate the birthday and other achievements of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.; (b) To educate the public on the achievements, writings and speeches of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.; (c) To conduct educational efforts, including offering scholarships to individuals in furtherance of the achievements, writings and speeches of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.; (d) To conduct other activities consistent with the recognition of the achievements of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

MISSION: The mission of the corporation is to continue and promote the teachings and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, by celebrating diversity, advancing equality of all races, teaching acceptance, and achieving peace, freedom, and justice for all.

HISTORY: Frank Bramlett, Founder of Kona MLK Jr Celebration In 1982, the late Frank Bramlett initiated the first Kailua-Kona celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., along with his wife, Mamie Bramlett and Virginia Halliday. Under a tree at the Old Kona Airport Beach Park, the first celebration was attended by 15 people. Frank Bramlett stated, “We’re going to keep doing this until they make it a National Holiday.” He wanted to keep Dr. King’s dream alive and keep the public’s attention on the monumental contribution Dr. King made to humanity by his non-violent, peaceful campaign for equality and justice for everyone, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, or religion. Four years later, President Reagan signed into law the bill passed by Congress, establishing the third Monday in January as a national holiday to honor Dr. King’s birthday, on January 20, 1986. In 2000, all 50 states recognized MLK, Jr. Day. All celebrations have been held in Kona, except for Mahukona in 1984, Spencer Beach Park in 1986 and Black Sand Beach in 1987. As the event grew, a Planning Committee was formed by volunteer members to help organize the annual event. The number of people attending has grown from that first celebration of 15 to as many as 500. It began as a potluck and has grown to feed over 500 people complimentary lunch provided by local restaurants, businesses, donors and MLK committee members. The County of Hawaii provides Maka`eo Pavilion at Old Airport Beach Park to accommodate the large number of attendees for this annual community event. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Kona Community Annual Celebration is a non-profit event. The mission statement is “The mission of the corporation is to continue and promote the teachings and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by celebrating diversity, advancing equality of all races, teaching acceptance, and achieving peace, freedom, and justice for all.”

$1000 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM Virginia Halliday Scholarship Program Application