City of Iowa City, IA

01/13/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 01/13/2022 10:02

Mayor Teague proclaims Monday, Jan. 17, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Iowa City

Monday, Jan. 17, 2021, is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Iowa City.

According to TheKingCenter.org, Dr. King used the power of words and nonviolent resistance - protests and civil disobedience - to pursue his goals of racial equality in the late 1950s and '60s. He used similar tactics in his efforts against poverty and international conflict, never wavering from his belief that all men and women - regardless of skin color - were equal.

Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn. His body was returned to his hometown of Atlanta, Ga., and his funeral was attended by leaders of all races and political affiliations.

More than 50 years after his death. Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech, Nobel Peace Prize lecture and "Letter From Birmingham" remain among the most acclaimed and quoted writings in American history. Dr. King is the only non-president honored with a national holiday, as well as the only non-president featured on the Great Mall in Washington, D.C. Statues, parks, streets, churches and other civic buildings bearing his name exist across the globe and serve as a reminder that his teachings are just as relevant today.

Legislation introduced in 1983 established the third Monday in January as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The first observance - often celebrated with marches, parades, and speeches by civil rights and political leaders - was in 1986.

During the Jan. 4, 2022, Iowa City City Council meeting, Mayor Bruce Teague proclaimed Jan. 17, 2021 as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Iowa City. The proclamation was accepted by Iowa City Human Rights Commissioner Roger Lusala.

"As we celebrate Dr. King this year, each of us need to ask oneself: 'How am I living Dr. King's teachings and how am I making this community better than I found it?'" Lusala said.

Mayor Teague and Commissioner Lusala's remarks can be viewed here.

To see a list of City-affiliated events honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., please visit our website.

City of Iowa City administrative offices and other facilities will be closed on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. To see a list of City-affiliated events honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., please visit our website.

The following schedules will be in effect for other City facilities:

Airport: Office will be closed, but Jet Air (FBO) will be open regular business hours.

Animal Care and Adoption Center: Closed.

Landfill and Recycling Center: Closed.

Library: Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Bookmobile: No Bookmobile service.

Oakland Cemetery: Closed.

Parking: Normal operations.

Parks and Recreation: Administrative offices closed. Recreation centers open normal hours. For more information, visit icgov.org/pr.

Police: Patrol and station masters will be on duty. Records and administrative office closed.

Refuse, Recycling, and Organics: Normal operations. Garbage, recycling, and organics will be collected.

Senior Center: Closed.

Transit: Iowa City Transit will operate on a regular Saturday schedule from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Water: Closed. For water emergencies, call the 24-hour line at 319-356-5166.

Wastewater: Closed. For wastewater emergencies, call the 24-hour line 319-356-5177.

City offices and operations will return to regular hours on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.