Arizona’s MLK Holiday & Immigration Controversies

More from this show

Boycotts, marches through Phoenix, and negative national publicity. Reaction to Arizona’s new immigration law is very similar to the backlash Arizona experienced years ago over a holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Junior. We compare the controversies with Pastor Warren Stewart, a leader of Arizona’s effort to get a King holiday; Chris Herstam, a Republican state legislator who served during the King Day controversy, and Bill Shover who chaired Arizona’s Super Bowl host committees at a time when the NFL was threatening to take the Super Bowl away from Arizona unless it passed a MLK holiday.

Pastor Warren Stewart:Former leader of Arizona's effort to get the MLK holiday;Chris Herstam:Former Republican State Legislator during the MLK holiday controversy;Bill Shover:Former chairman, Arizona Super Bowl host committee;

SPOTLIGHT

Arizona PBS receives two 2026 NETA Public Media Awards

Calling all kid foodies! Be a restaurant reviewer on a special ‘Check, Please! Arizona’ episode

Arizona PBS nominated for 10 Emmy® awards in 2026

View the latest ‘Candidates in Conversation’

Subscribe to Arizona PBS Newsletters