Newark, NJ, January 24, 2011 - Students at West Side NAF Academy explored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through an interactive program offered by Cablevision's Power to Learn. Also participating in the event were Congressman Donald Payne and Council President Donald Payne, Jr., as well as representatives from the Newark YMWCA. Following opening remarks by faculty and invited guests, students viewed a clip of HISTORY's documentary film, King, which showed how and why Dr. King became a catalyst for change and also examined the indelible mark he left on the nation and the world.  The students made presentations relating to Dr. King and the civil rights movement and participated in a Q&A with the attending elected officials.  The event concluded with a check presentation from Cablevision's Power to Learn to the Newark YMCA.

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Congressman Payne applauded Cablevision's Power to Learn program, noting, "Connecting students with history affords them the opportunity to learn the struggles and triumphs of our great nation.  Today's program celebrated the life of one of the country's greatest civil and human rights leaders and helped broaden the perspective and social consciousness of the students here today.."

Council President Payne, Jr., concurred, saying, "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is an iconic figure that continues to inspire us today.  This s program celebrated the legacy of this remarkable individual and provided valuable insights into the endurance of the human spirit and the lasting impact that Dr. King has had on society."

Vice Principal Dara Gronau commented, "I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Cablevision's Power to Learn, in conjunction with HISTORY, for making this important program available to our students.  Enriching our schools with new technology and innovative educational material helps ensure that they are equipped with the fundamental building blocks of success in the future."