Summary

WHEREAS, this year’s theme, “True peace is not merely the absence of tension: It is the presence of justice,” reminds us that to achieve Dr. King’s “Beloved Community,” there is no true justice without equality

Story

Martin Luther King. Jr. Day Celebration Committeemembers Larry Tukes and DeCharlene Williams join Councilmembers after the Council proclaimed January "Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Month" in King County

WHEREAS, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was born on January 15, 1929, dedicated his life to promoting peace, freedom, equality, and justice for all through non-violent means; and

WHEREAS, 2018 is the 50th anniversary of when an assassin’s bullet struck down Dr. King as he was fighting to improve the lives of Black sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, federal and state legislation has recognized Dr. King’s legacy as one of America’s outstanding civil rights leaders by adopting his birthdate as a national event and holiday in this country; and

WHEREAS, on February 24, 1986, the King County Council recognized Dr. King’s contributions and legacy by redesignating King County in his honor; and

WHEREAS, on February 27, 2006, King County became the first government in the nation to adopt the image of our foremost civil rights leader as its official logo; and

WHEREAS, King County government continues its tradition of commemorating Dr. King’s ideals of peace, freedom, equality, and justice with its annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Thursday, January 11; and

WHEREAS, this year’s theme, “True peace is not merely the absence of tension: It is the presence of justice,” reminds us that to achieve Dr. King’s “Beloved Community,” there is no true justice without equality; and

WHEREAS, being the first governmental jurisdiction with Dr. King as our namesake, we are called to redouble our commitment to peace, justice, and equality for all residents;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council and the King County Executive, proclaim the month of January 2018 as

in King County. All who live in King County are encouraged to honor and remember Dr. King for his humanitarian values and to work toward their realization.

DATED this eighth day of January, 2018.