HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - PROCLAMATION - 01/19/2021 - PROCLAMATION ACKNOWLEDGING MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. began his civil rights journey striving to address, through non -
violent means, what he considered the triple evils of American society: racism, war and poverty. He believed that
even under the worst conditions, there is reason to hope.
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. understood that civil rights legislation did not result in the societal
impacts he had anticipated for Blacks and African Americans living in the United States , and that communities of
color were still living in poverty and experiencing unemployment, with limited access to quality education and
housing.
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continued to move forward even after he lost the support of
clergy, colleagues, and others when he openly took a stance against the war in Vietnam; and he continued to move
forward as the FBI actively sought to discredit him and his work.
WHEREAS, while Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. worked for human and economic rights for all underserved
communities, he faced more barriers when the movement focused on inequities within Black communities.
Restructuring American society to ensure greater equality meant changing the laws and practices that had created
these same inequities.
WHEREAS, Dr. King’s work spanned over decades and would have continued if not for his assassination
on April 4, 1968. We acknowledge significant suffering in the progress for peace, and that over 50 years later, the
same institutional and systemic racism still exists in Black/African American communities as well as other
communities of color throughout the nation.
WHEREAS, this year’s theme, as led by Colorado State University’s Black/African American Cultural
Center, is “Where Do We Go from Here.” Current and future generations have an obligation to continue to develop
his work, as social change is the job of everyone. The City of Fort Collins will stand in solidarity for justice, and
human rights for all and continue to build a welcoming city.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Wade Troxell, Mayor of the City of Fort Collins, do hereby proclaim January 18,
2021 as
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
OBSERVATION AND COMMEMORATIVE DAY
in the city of Fort Collins and encourage the members of this community to continue in strivin g to actualize Dr.
King’s dream by honoring individuals based upon the content of their character.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and the seal of the City of Fort Collins this 19th
day of January, A.D. 2021.
_____________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
City Clerk