WHEREAS,  January 16, 2017 marks the national and state holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., commemorating his birth on January 15, 1929; and

WHEREAS,  Martin Luther King, Jr., advocated the furtherance of civil rights for black Americans through nonviolence; and

WHEREAS,  this man of powerful voice and spirit showed this country a dream of "an oasis of freedom and justice"; and

WHEREAS,  for his tireless work to ensure equality and justice, Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, a high and honorable distinction, in 1964; and

WHEREAS,  his eloquence, his perseverance and his faith moved mountains and brought about sweeping changes by appealing to the better instincts and consciences of his fellow human beings; and

WHEREAS,  the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., which ended so tragically on April 4, 1968, is a shining example to Americans and citizens of the world at large of uncompromising dedication to the highest ideals; now, therefore, be it