Service, evolving Sioux Falls, stressed on Martin Luther King Jr. holiday

Mayor Paul TenHaken delivers proclamation with King statue in the background

Jamiah Beaudion speaks about Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 16, 2023. Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken is behind her. (Jonathan Ellis/The Dakota Scout)

Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken challenged the community to live in service to others on Monday in honor of civil rights leader and freedom fighter Martin Luther King Jr.

TenHaken delivered a proclamation inside the City Center after rain forced the event indoors. It had been planned at Van Eps Park with the sculpture of King done by Sioux Falls artist Porter Williams, who also attended. Van Eps was appropriate for Martin Luther King Jr. Day because it has emerged as a setting where people gather in protest, to have their voices heard, TenHaken said.

TenHaken said service means different things to different people, but King was an advocate.

“Dr. King was very bullish on the message of service,” TenHaken said.

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