State landmarks to be illuminated red, green & black in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Lighting commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life, legacy & impact on creating a more just and equal society

√ Read proclamation here

Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday announced New York state landmarks will be lit red, green and black tonight to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Hochul proclaimed Jan. 16 as Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to commemorate the 94th birthday of one this country's most influential leaders.

"Amidst the recent rise in bigotry, division and hate across this country, it is more important than ever that we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s teachings on justice, peace, equality and love," Hochul said. "Here in New York, we must recommit ourselves to these same principals and work towards a more united New York where all residents can live and thrive in peace."

The landmarks to be lit in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Include:

• One World Trade Center
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate and Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• The "Franklin D. Roosevelt" Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station

New York state's annual commemoration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will be presented as a statewide broadcast event, "New York State Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: Paths to Change," which can be streamed at empirestateplaza.ny.gov/nyking. The one-hour tribute to King showcases people and organizations from across New York that embody the principles of one of America's most significant leaders for social justice, freedom and equality. Program times will vary by region, so viewers are encouraged to check their local TV listings.

New York state is also hosting several service-related programs “to fulfill Dr. King's vision of community,” including the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Statewide Food Drive, which concludes Feb. 10, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Statewide Book Drive, which runs Feb. 20 through April 21. People are also encouraged to view the New York State Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Art and Essay Exhibition, which features submissions from K-12 students throughout the state that are inspired by King's “Six Principles of Nonviolence.” The virtual gallery is available at empirestateplaza.ny.gov/nyking.

Visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov/nyking, or follow @NYSMLK on Facebook and Twitter for PBS member station program updates and additional information about New York's celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. King.