New Utah license plate Celebrates Diversity and Inclusion

A portion of the new Utah license plate designed by Eleanor Smith of Timpview High School. Photo: Utah Division of Multicultural Affairs

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah. — The state of Utah is about to reveal a new license plate for automobiles that celebrates the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

With the slogan “Many Voices, One Utah,” the Martin Luther King Jr. Human Rights Commission announced the winning artwork of its vehicle license plate design contest. Artist Eleanor Smith, from Timpview High School, had her design chosen by a committee of commissioners, state representatives, and other local leaders.

“We bear witness today in the issuance of the MLK license plate the commitment and hard work of individuals to ensure that Utah is known as a place that is welcoming, and celebrates and embraces diversity,” said Emma E. Houston, current MLK Jr. Commission chair. “We are proud to live in a state that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the non-violent tenets he espoused during his lifetime.”

Commissioner Eddy Thompson, who oversaw the license plate design contest, said, “This license plate will show our nation that Utah is committed to equality, freedom, justice, and peace!”

In addition, eight contest finalists will virtually celebrate their artwork with the Utah Jazz.

Funding for the license plate design project was provided by the Jazz, Comcast, Goldman Sachs, and the Utah STEM Action Center.

The license plate design will be available at the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles this summer (in about 6 months).