The Utah Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission has a new coordinator.

Michael Styles has been appointed to head the program in the state’s Division of Community Development. The position has been vacant since 2002.

A resident of Holladay, Styles is a graduate of the University of Utah where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science with a minor in ethnic studies. He was president of the university’s African-American student body. His previous professional positions include case manager at Valley Mental Health, probation officer, group home director, youth counselor, and fund development director at the National Conference for Community and Justice in Salt Lake City. Styles has also been involved in various community and political organizations.

“I hope to promote understanding, acceptance, human equality, community building, and the principles of nonviolence,” said Styles of his new role.

A 15-member governor-appointed panel guides the Utah Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission, which works to promote education and awareness throughout Utah of the principles of nonviolence and respect of human rights for everyone. The commission also encourages and coordinates ceremonies and activities in the state for the national Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, which is observed the third Monday in January.

The commission will observe the upcoming holiday with a luncheon on Friday, Jan. 16, 11:30 a.m., at the Grand America Hotel in Salt Lake City.

1:10:18 PM