For immediate release: January 14, 2007

Livermore Community Gathers to Honor Memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rekindle the Dream

Speakers, music and peace march to Downtown Livermore to promote non-violence and protest the Iraq War

for more information, contact:
Mary Perner, Community Organizer, Tri-Valley CAREs, (925) 443-7148

Monday, January 15, the 77th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, Livermore residents, peace and civil rights activists will gather to celebrate his life and teachings. The event is sponsored by the Tri-Valley Peace Coalition and dedicated to Mrs. Coretta Scott King, wife of Dr. King, who died in 2006.

Throughout his life, Martin Luther King Jr. was a persuasive voice for justice and non-violence. His words and teachings reverberate through the years, remaining fresh and providing renewed inspiration for today's issues and struggles? "Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars... Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." "If you succumb to the temptation of using violence in your struggle, unborn generations will be the recipients of a long and desolate night of bitterness, and your chief legacy to the future will be an endless reign of meaningless chaos." Event organizers see these words as a clarion call in our present war torn world.

This year's program will feature a presentation on the philosophy of non-violence (espoused by Dr. King and Mohandas Gandhi) by noted local author and speaker Prabha Duneja. There will be music, the dedication to Mrs. King, shared dreams of peace by community young people and more. In the activist tradition of Dr. King, the event will culminate (weather permitting) in a peace march through downtown Livermore (See event locations on page 2).

Prabha Duneja was born in India and spent her childhood in a small town in the Punjab region of India). She graduated from the Sanskrit University of Kurukshetra as a teacher of English and Music. During her successful career as a teacher, she developed an increased interest in the study of comparative religion, philosophy, homeopathy, astrology and mysticism. She travels extensively and is a featured speaker at temples, schools, universities, churches and religious conferences and has spoken at the Commonwealth Club. She is the founder/president of the Geeta Society and also an active member of the Inter-faith Tri-valley Council and Women's Federation for World Peace, USA. She is the author of numerous religious articles as well as books including the Legacy of Yoga in Bhagawad Geeta, The Holy Geeta, The Holy Syllable Aum, An Introduction to Bhagawad Geeta, Shiva, Mantra and the Modern Man, and Bhagawad Geeta - The Gateway to Freedom. She has recorded CDs on Primordial Sound Meditation, Shiva, and series of lectures on the Power of Mantra and Bhagawad Geeta for the benefit of the public.

Ms. Duneja comments "Celebrating these special moments, where we remember great peacemakers, brings us together in a relaxed spiritual bond which promotes mutual understanding, love, peace, and harmony. People share their hopes and dreams and we are inspired by selfless services and the wisdom of these great messengers of God who dedicated their lives for unity, integrity and service."

Event organizer, Mary Perner, Community Organizer, Tri-Valley CAREs, states, "Although we honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s inspirational words, it is crucial to remember, he was also a man of action. In the practice of non-violence, he placed himself on the front lines of the struggle for justice, human rights and peace. Amidst war and controversy his courageous example shines as a model for us today."

Event organizer, Dr. Martha Williams, Pastor of the United Christian Church states, "Every time we come together and share our hopes and dreams for peace, the light is rekindled and burns more brightly in our hearts and in the world. I am inspired and renewed by the stories and memories of those who have literally given their lives for peace. I am comforted by being with others to mourn those whose lives have been lost in war and conflict. And, perhaps most importantly, I am challenged by those who have gone before and for those whose future stretches out beyond my life span, to be a peacemaker; to take action in the world to make peace."

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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Event Locations and Schedule

Neighbors, friends and activists will join with Tri-Valley Peace Coalition Members Monday, January 15, 2007 at the United Christian Church, 1886 College Ave (at "M" St.) in Livermore.

9:45 AM - gathering for coffee and light brunch

10:00 AM - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. program

11:00 AM to NOON - sign making, march to downtown Livermore's Lizzie Fountain (North Livermore Avenue at First Street) where there will be singing and a brief anti-war ceremony.

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