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CooperVision MLK Celebration

May 21, 2023
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Xerona Clayton made a profound impact on civil rights, particularly in relation to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As the founder and president of The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, she dedicated her life to preserving and promoting the legacy of Dr. King and advancing the cause of social justice.

Clayton’s tireless efforts played a pivotal role in establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a national holiday in the United States. She worked alongside Coretta Scott King, Dr. King’s widow, and other prominent civil rights leaders to advocate for the recognition of Dr. King’s contributions to the civil rights movement. Their relentless campaign led to the signing of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Bill into law by President Ronald Reagan in 1983.

Under Clayton’s leadership, The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change became a beacon of education, empowerment, and activism. The center not only served as a repository of Dr. King’s teachings and writings but also organized initiatives and programs that fostered nonviolent social change.

Clayton’s impact extended beyond the establishment of the holiday. She worked diligently to ensure that Martin Luther King Jr. Day was not just a day off but a day of service and reflection. Through her efforts, she encouraged individuals and communities to honor Dr. King’s legacy by engaging in acts of kindness, promoting equality, and addressing social injustices.

Clayton’s vision for Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a day of activism and social transformation continues to resonate today. Her dedication to nonviolent social change and her unwavering commitment to the principles espoused by Dr. King served as an inspiration for generations to come.

Xerona Clayton’s legacy reminds us of the power of activism and the importance of striving for equality and justice. As we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we honor not only Dr. King but also Xerona Clayton is ensuring that his message of peace, equality, and justice endures.

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