Commemorating the Celebration of the Birth of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on January 15, 2026

WHEREAS, In the altruistic words of the esteemed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." He devoted his life to the advancement of civil rights and social efforts that undo the systemic effects of white supremacy, and he helped to move us closer to the ideals on which America was founded, as a nation of freedom and justice for all; and

WHEREAS, Born on January 15, 1929, Dr. King grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, attending segregated public schools. After earning his high school diploma, he started college at the age of fifteen and went on to obtain his doctorate in 1955; and

WHEREAS, During his lifetime, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., changed the course of history. He led a nonviolent revolution that would forever change the social and political landscape of America; and

WHEREAS, The mirror that the Reverend Dr. King held before the national conscience revealed the ugliness of racism and hatred that divided America throughout its history, and neither the carnage of civil war, nor the self-examination that Dr. King forced upon the nation, has fully eradicated the injustices which are still prevalent to this day; and

WHEREAS, This year marks the th Anniversary of the first nationwide observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr., federal holiday, honoring one of the most influential and iconic leaders of the civil rights movement. It is a time for the people of our state and the nation to recognize Dr. King's teachings by embracing and promoting his tireless, undeniable efforts toward equality, and by finding ways to undo systemic economic and political injustice; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby commemorates the birthday of the great Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We honor not only the man and his accomplishments, but also the continuing process of social enlightenment he founded which lives with us still, ever pressing us to move beyond what we are and what we think we can be. A prophet of hope, Dr. King left a legacy which will live forever; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to all general office holders, members of the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, and the Martin Luther King, Jr., State Holiday Commission.