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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Initiative

Mayor Demings' Seal

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Six Principles of Nonviolence

  1. PRINCIPLE ONE: Nonviolence Is A Way Of Life For Courageous People. It is active, nonviolent resistance to evil. It is aggressive [Assertive] spiritually, mentally and emotionally.

  2. PRINCIPLE TWO: Nonviolence Seeks To Win Friendship And Understanding. The end result of nonviolence is redemption and reconciliation. The purpose of nonviolence is the creation of the Beloved Community.

  3. PRINCIPLE THREE: Nonviolence Seeks To Defeat Injustice Not People. Nonviolence recognizes that evildoers are also victims and are not evil people. The nonviolent resister seeks to defeat evil not people.

  4. PRINCIPLE FOUR: Nonviolence Holds That Suffering Can Educate And Transform. Nonviolence accepts suffering without retaliation. Unearned suffering is redemptive and has tremendous educational and transforming possibilities.

  5. PRINCIPLE FIVE: Nonviolence Chooses Love Instead Of Hate. Nonviolence resists violence of the spirit as well as the body. Nonviolent love is spontaneous, unmotivated, unselfish and creative.

  6. PRINCIPLE SIX: Nonviolence Believes That The Universe Is On The Side Of Justice. The nonviolent resister has deep faith that justice will eventually win. Nonviolence believes that God is a God of justice.

Mission

The overall mission of the Initiative is to celebrate and recognize Dr. King’s legacy through programs, which promote unity, diversity and connectivity. Increasing awareness while engaging cultural differences breeds a sense of growth and cohesiveness. Honoring Dr. King’s contribution to humanity as a community is a true reflection of our County’s mission and vision to be diverse.

Composition & Intent of Initiative

The Orange County MLK Initiative is comprised of various local community partners and stakeholders from the private, public and non-profit sectors appointed by Mayor Demings. The group’s primary focus will be to commemorate Dr. King’s legacy through community engagement, media relations, sponsorships, marketing and signature events throughout the County. The commemoration will also include the promotion and support of on-going events throughout the year.

Call to Action

The specific charge of the group will be to create and coordinate on-going initiatives throughout the year to commemorate the work of Dr. King with primary focus on his annual holiday in January. This Initiative will be supported by the Orange County Mayor’s Office and County Administration.

Focus Areas

  • Education & Literacy
  • Community Engagement & Outreach
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Marketing & Public Relations