Bill Text: NY J02478 | 2019-2020 | General Assembly | Introduced


Bill Title: Commemorating the observance of the 35th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the State of New York, on January 20, 2020

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 40-22)

Status: (Passed) 2020-01-22 - ADOPTED [J02478 Detail]

Download: New_York-2019-J02478-Introduced.html

Senate Resolution No. 2478

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

        COMMEMORATING  the  observance  of the 35th Annual
        Martin Luther King, Jr. Day  in  the  State  of  New
        York, on January 20, 2020

  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 35th
Annual  Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the State of New York, on January
20, 2020, 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 2020 Dr. Martin Luther  King,  Jr.  holiday  observance
marks  the  91st  Anniversary  of his birth, and the 35th 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.
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