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Will New Hampshire Recognize Martin Luther King Day?

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In an interview with Amy Goodman, New Hampshire Governor Shaheen discusses her efforts to convince the Republican state legislature to recognize Martin Luther King Day. Shaheen states that right-wing elements of the state legislature have blocked attempts to recognize a holiday honoring Dr. King. Rep. Weatherspoon discusses history of efforts to recognize MLK Day, which included attempts to create a more general Civil Rights Day in 1994, a more specific denunciation of Dr. King as person worthy of being honored with a holiday, and a proclamation issued by former Governor Steve MLK Day in 1995. Weatherspoon recounts KKK praising the New Hampshire House of Representatives for not passing MLK Day in 1995 and summarizes claims by MLK detractors. Then, Weatherspoon discusses plans for new attempt to recognize the holiday: legislative coalitions, a democratic governor who placed the MLK holiday in her election platform, and a grassroots effort fostered by college students.

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