ADOPTED - DECEMBER 10, 2003

Agenda Item No. 16

Introduced by the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION HONORING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

RESOLUTION #03-310

WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister and passionate fighter for civil rights through non-violent action, was a vital personality of the modern era, his lectures and remarks stirred the concern and sparked the conscience of a generation; and

WHEREAS, the movements and marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. brought significant changes in the fabric of American life; and

WHEREAS, his courageous and selfless devotion gave direction to thirteen years of civil rights activities, his charismatic leadership inspired men and women, young and old, in the nation and abroad; and

WHEREAS, Dr. King's concept of somebodiness gave black and poor people a new sense of worth and dignity, his philosophy of nonviolent direct action, and his strategies for rational and non-destructive social change, galvanized the conscience of this nation and reordered its priorities; and

WHEREAS, his wisdom, his words, his actions, his commitment, and his dreams for a new cast of life, are intertwined with the American experience; and

WHEREAS, few have had as much impact upon the American consciousness as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

WHEREAS, the 19th of January, 2004 has been designated a national holiday in honor of the birthday of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners hereby honors the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in appreciation of the many accomplishments he made towards improving the quality of life for the citizens throughout the country, particularly those in Ingham County.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the citizens of Ingham County are encouraged to celebrate this holiday.

SS\ Celentino, Dedden, De Leon, Grebner, Hertel, Holman, Lynch, Minter, Nevin, Schafer, Schor, Severino, Stid, Swope, Thomas, Weatherwax-Grant