2017 -- S 0016

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LC000552

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

COMMEMORATING THE CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF THE REVEREND DR.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

     Introduced By: Senators Metts, Quezada, Paiva Weed, Ruggerio, Goodwin, and
Raptakis

     Date Introduced: January 18, 2017

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, In the altruistic words of the esteemed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "Life's

most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" He devoted his life to the

advancement of civil rights and service to one's community, and he helped to move us closer to

the ideals on which America was founded, a nation of freedom and justice for all; and

     WHEREAS, Born on January 15, 1929, Dr. King grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, attending

segregated public schools. After earning his high school diploma, he started college at the age of

fifteen and went on to obtain his doctorate in 1955; and

     WHEREAS, During his lifetime, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., changed the course of

history. He led a nonviolent revolution that would forever change the social and political

landscape of America; and

     WHEREAS, The mirror that the Reverend Dr. King held before the national conscience

revealed the ugliness of racism and hatred that had divided America throughout its history, and

neither the carnage of civil war, nor the self-examination that Dr. King forced upon the nation,

has fully eradicated the injustices which are still prevalent to this day; and

     WHEREAS, There is no doubt that Dr. King challenged us to make real the promise of

America. When others called for blood and violence, he eloquently preached nonviolence. For

him, violence was a firestorm which must eventually consume the arsonist, and although he was a

victim of violence throughout his public career, he never gave in to the darkness cloaking this

great evil. He believed that violence did not change hearts, that racial equality and social justice

were more likely to come about through appeals to the public's collective conscience and by the

examples being set by those advocating social justice and nonviolence; and

     WHEREAS, The Reverend Dr. King also changed the course of history and inspired all

citizens to help build what he called "the beloved community," and to live up to the purpose and

potential of America. His famed "I Have a Dream" speech before the Lincoln Memorial, his

ironclad will, and the true justness of his cause forever changed and advanced freedom, equality,

opportunity, and brotherhood for all; and

     WHEREAS, This year marks the 32nd Anniversary of the nationwide observance of the

Martin Luther King, Jr., federal holiday, honoring one of the most influential and iconic leaders

of the civil rights movement. It is a time for the people of our state to recognize Dr. King's

teachings by embracing and promoting his tireless, undeniable efforts toward equality, and by

finding ways to give back to our communities; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby commemorates the birthday of the great Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We honor

not only the man and his accomplishments, but also the continuing process of social

enlightenment he founded which lives with us still, ever pressing us to move beyond what we are

and what we think we can be. A prophet of hope, Dr. King left a legacy which will live forever;

and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to all general office holders, members of the

Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, and the Martin Luther King, Jr., State Holiday

Commission.

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