The New Mexico Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission is a state agency created in 1991 by the New Mexico Legislature to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Its primary goal is to promote, coordinate, and oversee statewide activities and celebrations for Dr. King's birthday.
The Commission seeks to spread Dr. King's teachings on human rights, equality, nonviolence, social change, and unity. It aims to engage the people of New Mexico through remembrance, celebration, and action, while advancing Dr. King's vision of interconnectedness and peace.
The Commission's vision is to strengthen community ties by collaborating with organizations dedicated to promoting Dr. King’s principles. It supports and assists groups that provide programs aligned with these ideals.
The Commission's purpose includes developing and recommending activities for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday to the governor and legislature, creating educational materials about Dr. King’s life and legacy, and coordinating with federal agencies for statewide commemorations. Additionally, the Commission offers guidance on King-related holiday activities and prepares reports and recommendations for the governor and legislature. It also accepts endowments and bequests for furthering Dr. King’s legacy in New Mexico.