2015-K901

Commemorating the observance of the 31st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the State of New York, on January 18, 2016

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2015-K901


LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the observance of the 31st Annual
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the State of New York, on January 18,
2016

WHEREAS, From time to time we take note of certain individuals whom we
wish to recognize for their valued contributions and to publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the custom of this Legislative Body to join
the people of this great Empire State in proudly observing the 31st
Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the State of New York, on January
18, 2016, taking note of his many accomplishments and contributions to
mankind; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born the grandson of a slave
into a segregated society in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 15, 1929, and
was instrumental in formulating a policy which ultimately destroyed
legal apartheid in the southern states of our nation; and
WHEREAS, In February of 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke about
the inevitability of his death and hoped that when we spoke of his life,
we would not concentrate on his academic achievements: that he graduated
from Morehouse College, that he attended the Crozer Theological Seminary
and Boston University, where he earned a doctorate in Systematic Theolo-
gy; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did not find it
important that we mention that he won the Nobel Peace Prize and over 300
other awards; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s finest legacy of greater social
justice for all Americans was truly reflected in his devotion to serve
and respect others, and in his steadfast love for all humanity; and
WHEREAS, Standing in a long line of great American black leaders, Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. represents the historical culmination and the
living embodiment of a spirit of united purpose rooted in Black African
culture and the American Dream; and
WHEREAS, An apostle of peace, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. fought unre-
lentingly for the civil rights of all Americans and taught us that
through non-violence courage displaces fear, love transforms hate,
acceptance dissipates prejudice and mutual regard cancels enmity; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. manifestly contributed to the
cause of America's freedom, and his commitment to human dignity is visi-
bly mirrored in the spiritual, economic and political dimensions of the
civil rights movement; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life was devoted
to the liberation of his people and his courage transcended the advo-
cates of mindless retrenchment; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that the common and
shared responsibility of governance demands an irrevocable commitment to
the preservation and enhancement of human dignity as exemplified by Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr.; and
WHEREAS, Upon the occasion of the celebration of the birthday of Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr., it is the practice of this Legislative Body to
commemorate the heroic efforts of Dr. King, who loved and served humani-
ty, and who was a drum major for peace, justice and righteousness; and
WHEREAS, The 2016 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday observance marks
the 87th Anniversary of his birth, and the 31st Annual Holiday cele-
brated in the State of New York in his honor; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize and pay tribute to the legendary life and achievements of
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., upon the occasion of the anniversary of his
birth and the celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the State of
New York and throughout the Nation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative
Caucus.

actions

  • 20 / Jan / 2016
    • ADOPTED

Resolution Details

Law Section:
Resolutions, Legislative

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