WVPA Sharing Photos of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. state celebration available on January 20, 2014 More in WVPA Sharing: WVU, Ascend WV assist opioid response efforts led by West Virginia First Foundation September 13, 2024 Gov. Justice directs West Virginia Fusion Center, Department of Homeland Security, partner agencies to investigate threats of violence to WV schools September 12, 2024 Rural Development announces $1.1 million in funding to assist West Virginia small businesses and entrepreneurs September 11, 2024 West Virginia Press Association PhotoRECOGNITION — West Virginia officially celebrated the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with celebrations around Charleston. Patricia Wilson, chair of the state’s Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission, welcomes guests to the West Virginia Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration and Celebration Awards Luncheon at the state’s Culture Center on Monday afternoon. West Virginia Press Association Photo.SMALL SPEAKER, BIG MESSAGE — Two members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority adjust the podium and microphone for Skylar Koontz, a fifth-grade student at Woodsdale Middle School in Wheeling, who won the YWCA Annual “Project on Racism.” Koontz was one of three students — along with third grader Ethan Thomas of New River Elementary School in Fayette County and senior Nada Siva of Parkersburg High School in Wood County — who read their essays on racism at the awards luncheon. The Beta Beta Omega Chapter of AKA Sorority assisted with hosting the event. West Virginia Press Association Photo.PAYING TRIBUTE — West Virginia officially celebrated the legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 20 with celebrations around Charleston. Prior to the bell-ringing ceremony at the state Capitol complex’s north portico Monday afternoon, scheduled speakers, from left, U.S. Rep. Shelly Moore Capitol, R-W.Va., U.S. Senator Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., Kanawha Circuit Judge Tod J. Kaufman and Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin listened as the Appalachian Children’s Chorus performed the National Anthem.