Senate Resolution No. 1668

BY: Senator STEWART-COUSINS

COMMEMORATING the observance of the 39th Annual
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the State of New
York, on January 15, 2024

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 39th
Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the State of New York, on January
15, 2024, 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, After returning from Crozer, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
delivered his first sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta and
became the church's co-pastor with his father; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a truly humble man, also 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 2024 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday observance
marks the 95th Anniversary of his birth, and the 39th 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.