Programs and Events

Reception in Commemoration of Legacy of Martin Luther King

On January 20th, in commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., U.S. Embassy Minsk hosted a reception for members of the diplomatic community, NGOs, students, teachers and the press. A poster-show depicting Dr. King's struggle for equality and justice was displayed, and the audience was shown Dr. King's heart-felt and powerful "I Have a Dream" speech.

U.S. Ambassador George Krol addressed the audience, giving a brief history of African Americans in U.S. society and Dr. King's profound influence on the Civil Rights Movement. Ambassador Krol explained how in his "I Have a Dream" speech, Dr. King spoke "not just to African Americans but to all Americans and to the wider world." The Ambassador emphasized that the continuing legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King "is the work of a free democracy to continue the non-violent struggle of Dr. King".

Political Section Chief Dereck Hogan described to the audience the direct impact King has had on his own life. Mr. Hogan spoke about his experiences with racism and how King's life "convinced him that one person can be an agent of change."