FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, January 12,  2006

Contact: Tanya Flanagan
Phone: (702) 455-7277

The news media are invited to cover an evening of art and culture celebrating the legacy of civil rights pioneer Martin Luther King, Jr.

Called "The Legacy," the event begins with a reception at 6 p.m. and a program at 7 p.m. featuring Jawanza Kunjufu, who will discuss the effect of the work of King on past and future generations of Americans.

Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates also will present the annual Community Citizen Award. This year that honor goes to Sam Smith, the owner of the Native Son bookstore in historic West Las Vegas, and a volunteer tutor and mentor. The award is given annually to those who make substantial contributions to the community.

"Sam is a shining star in this community," Atkinson Gates said. "He has watched it change and helped to foster growth by nurturing young people throughout the valley and especially in District D. His bookstore serves as a great asset to Las Vegans. Equally as important is the time that he gives volunteering as a math and science tutor and helping men and women prepare to become firefighters with the city and county."

The event, open to invited guests only, will be held at the West Las Vegas Library Theater at 951 West Lake Mead Blvd.

For more information call Tanya Flanagan at 455-7277.