News Release

Washington, DC – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo will keynote the 12th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Banquet in Idaho Falls on Saturday, January 18th. The banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the ISU/U of I Student Union Building in Idaho Falls. It is sponsored by the Idaho Falls chapter of the NAACP. Crapo will focus his remarks on the renewed focus on race relations in our country as well as the national theme of “Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not A Day Off!”

“The issue of race was again brought to the fore last month after Mississippi Senator Trent Lott made inappropriate comments at Senator Strom Thurmond’s 100th birthday celebration,” Crapo said. “As you recall, the following weeks were full of negative debates and feelings, and eventually Lott resigned as Senate Majority Leader. However, the matter turned a spotlight on the fact that racial issues need constant attention. With a renewed awareness of race and equality issues, we have an opportunity to do more to ensure all Americans, regardless of race or ethnicity, have equal access to the tools that bring prosperity to individuals, families, and communities.”

Crapo concluded, “History teaches us that once Americans focus collectively on a problem, solutions come quickly. Celebrating the life and achievements of Dr. King is a great way to turn our minds and our actions into service to others. I am honored to have this opportunity to speak about this important topic, and look forward to keeping focus on this matter.”

In his remarks, Crapo is also expected to highlight several activities that are planned in Idaho in commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr.-Idaho Human Rights Day. Those include a day of community service in Coeur d’Alene, sewing quilt squares at elementary schools in Moscow, and a march and Statehouse rally in Boise. For more activities in Idaho, please refer to http://www.king-raleigh.org/natlevent/body.cfm and click on Idaho.

For more information on the event and tickets, please call (208) 522-4051.

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