Assembly Resolution No. 901

BY: M. of A. Heastie

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 Theology; 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 unrelentingly 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 visibly 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 advocates 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 humanity, 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 celebrated 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 transmitted to the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic and Asian Legislative Caucus.