Town Council Issues Proclamation In Honor Of Martin Luther King Day

Source: amherstma.gov

Amherst Town Council Adopted the proclamation below in honor of Martin Luther King Day 2021 at their regular Council meeting on January 4.   The Proclamation was read at the Town’s  virtual celebration of the holiday on Friday January 15.

WHEREAS, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was born on January 15, 1929, devoted his life to justice and equality for people of all races and economic standings through non-violent means; which led to the establishment of many Federal and local laws prohibiting discrimination and fostering human rights; and

WHEREAS, Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement helped change public policy from segregation to integration, resulting in the repeal of the Post-Reconstruction Era state laws mandating racial segregation in the South known as the “Jim Crow Laws,” thereby leading to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and other anti-discrimination laws aimed at ending economic, legal, and social segregation in America; and

WHEREAS, Dr. King stated in his speech, “I say to you today, my friends, though, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal’;” and

WHEREAS, Dr. King believed that service was “the soul’s highest purpose,” and was the path to happiness and greatness, once saying, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” which led communities across the country to answer that question by coming together to honor Dr. King by helping their neighbors and communities through thousands of service projects spread across all 50 states; and

WHEREAS, the Amherst Town Council encourages Amherst residents to observe this holiday not only by reflecting on Dr. King’s legacy, but also by actively serving others.

NOW, THEREFORE, we the Amherst Town Council proclaim January 18, 2021 as a day to recognize and remember the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the dreams and ideals for which he stood. Let the Town of Amherst reflect upon its commitment to continue the challenge that all people will live his dreams.

Please join us in a virtual ceremony and reading of the proclamation in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Friday, January 15, 2021 at 4:30 pm.

Voted this day 4th of January 2021

J. Lynn Griesemer

Town Council President