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The Yale Peabody Museum will open its doors once again in honor of Dr. King and his efforts to ensure environmental and social justice among all people. The weekend's activities will include world-class performances and educational activities for visitors of all ages.
“…if you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. strove to raise awareness about urban environmental issues and public health concerns that disproportionately affect communities of color. While these issues by no means have disappeared in the last three decades, great strides have been made in many communities to bring such inequalities to light and to improve living and working conditions. Dr. King was a pioneer in these efforts.
Download the 17 Principles of Environmental Justice [PDF 21KB]
Environmental justice is based on the principle that all members of a society have the right to clean air, water, and soil, as well as a right to live in communities where they can raise their families and send their kids out to play in healthy and nurturing natural environments. Further, it embraces the notion that no one possesses the right to degrade and destroy the environment, whether the government at all levels, private industry, or individual citizens. Finally, environmental justice includes a guarantee of equal access to relief and the possibility of meaningful community participation in the decisions of government and industry.
In celebration of the progress that has been achieved, and with optimism for the future, we have planned two days of fun and educational activities for families and people of all ages and backgrounds. These include performances by members of the New Haven community and from around the world, interactive displays of our local natural environment, children’s storytelling, and a participatory drum circle.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
— Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Honorable John DeStefano, Jr., Mayor of New Haven
The Honorable Martin Looney
State Senator, 11th Senatorial District
The Honorable Rosa DeLauro
Congresswoman, 3rd Congressional District
The Honorable Toni N. Harp
State Senator, 10th Senatorial District
The Honorable Toni E. Walker
State Representative, 93rd District
Congratulations to the winners of the 2013 MLK Jr. Teen Summit Video Contest at the Peabody Museum! These winning submissions offer thoughtful and creative perspectives on the question "What is diversity?" The winners of the large group award are students from the GEAR-UP program at Bassick High School in Bridgeport. The winner of the small group/individual award is Cindy Garcia from Cooperative Arts & Humanities High School in New Haven.
