![Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. firmly believed that "It's always the right time to do the right thing."](http://cdn2-b.examiner.com/sites/default/files/styles/image_content_width/hash/58/dc/58dc6f1b7e6ad647a431d752f90f4a5f.jpg?itok=JyM-lc49 "Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. firmly believed that "It's always the right time to do the right thing."")
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection continues its celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. today from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History, 170 Whitney Ave., New Haven. The festival will focus on environmental and social justice, civil rights, nonviolent advocacy, equality of resources and community enrichment.
Dr. King worked hard to raise awareness about urban environmental issues and public health concerns that disproportionately affect communities of color. While these issues have not disappeared in the last 43 years, progress has been made in many places to bring such inequalities to light and to improve living and working conditions.
“The Connecticut DEEP is dedicated to honoring the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy and is committed to addressing environmental and health equity into its core programs and is now poised to demonstrate that a sound integrated approach to environmental, public health, natural resources and energy policy can lead to sustainable economic growth and job creation,” stated Commissioner Esty.
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 in healthy and nurturing natural environments. Further, environmental justice includes a guarantee of equal access to relief and the possibility of meaningful community participation in the decisions of government and industry.
Events include educational activities for families and people of all ages and backgrounds include performances by members of the New Haven community and from around the world, including music, poetry, children’s storytelling and dance.
Today’s featured performances include Boogie Chillun 11:00-11:40 am; New haven Breakdancers 12:00-12:30pm and 1:00-1:30pm; Hillhouse Cheerleaders 12:45-1:00 pm; Taikoza Japanese Drumming 2:00pm-2:40pm; Hamden Academy of Dance 7 Music, 3:00-3:15pm; The Solar Youth Drummers, 3:15-3:30pm; and Michael Mills drumming performance and drum circle finale 3:45-4:30pm. There will also be more than 25 hands-on educational activities for the whole family.
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Legacy of Environmental Justice Family Festival has grown during the last 17 years, with attendance increasing from 1,400 visitors the first year to more than 6,000 during the 2012 celebration. For further information contact the Yale Peabody Museum at (203) 432-6646 or visit www.peabody.yale.edu/events/mlk/.
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