2023 House Resolution 14

Whereas, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., sparks inspiration, strength, and determination. He was born on January 15, 1929, but the icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born in 1955 when he first caught the national eye while boycotting a transportation company in Birmingham, Alabama; and

Whereas, Dr. King’s life was prematurely ended, but is still profoundly impactful. Although his time as an activist was cut short, he managed to spearhead the 1964 Civil Rights Movement ending public segregation on the basis of race, gender, or religion; and

Whereas, His advocacy and determination helped secure the right to vote for African Americans in 1965. MLK’s nonviolent approach taught the public humanity and the lessons set the standard for how minority populations deserve to be treated. His timeless teachings apply not only to the treatment of the black population, but to any group who has suffered injustice at the hands of the majority; and

Whereas, MLK serves as champion for the marginalized and preached to the privileged. He helped foster an understanding between the disenfranchised and the powerful. Honoring his legacy acts as a reminder to the injustice our American brothers and sisters endured; and

Whereas, Racism and injustice has not been eradicated since Dr. King’s untimely passing. In “Letter from Birmingham Jail” he wrote “Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.” It is the responsibility of this body to embrace diversity and condemn injustice; and

Whereas, Dr. King planted the seed of equality. While it has bloomed over the years, it is our responsibility to nurture it and ensure it thrives. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., has set the example for us, but it is up to us as a society to apply his inclusive ideology and accept each other for who we are. We all know he had a dream. Michiganders are encouraged to fulfill that dream and continue down the path of equality and justice; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body commemorate January 2023 as the 94th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.