2023 -- H 5066

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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H O U S 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: Representatives Hull, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Diaz,
Kislak, O'Brien, Phillips, Voas, and Azzinaro

     Date Introduced: January 11, 2023

     Referred To: House read and passed

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     WHEREAS, In the altruistic words of the esteemed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,

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"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." He devoted his life to the advancement of

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civil rights and social efforts that undo the systemic effects of white supremacy, and he helped to

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move us closer to the ideals on which America was founded, as a nation of freedom and justice

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for all; and

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

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

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

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

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

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landscape of America; and

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

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

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

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

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     WHEREAS, This year marks the 37th Anniversary of the nationwide observance of the

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

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of the civil rights movement. It is a time for the people of our state and the nation to recognize Dr.

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

 

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by finding ways to undo systemic economic and political injustice; now, therefore be it

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     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

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commemorates the birthday of the great Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We honor not only

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the man and his accomplishments, but also the continuing process of social enlightenment he

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

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

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further

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

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

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

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Commission.

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