Office of the Mayor

Proclamation

Lawrence, Kansas

WHEREAS:       The theme of this 28^th annual celebration is “Live the Dream of Justice: A Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” and by such an event we are reaffirming our rights as citizens and the liberties possible in the United States and thereby expressing our hopes, dreams and beliefs; and

WHEREAS:       The exceptional and separate character of our values is expressed in national holidays and the building of  monuments such as Dr. King’s which exemplify our way of life; and

WHEREAS:       We recall the legacy that the Reverend Dr. King created and rededicate ourselves to the truths that he strove for, in this special year of commemoration we thus engage in the valuable activity of reserving a day or days towards that end; and

WHEREAS:       In 1964 the Reverend Dr. King stated “I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits. I believe that what self-centered men have torn down men other-centered can build up. . . .’And the lion and the lamb shall lie down together and every man shall sit upon his own vine and fig tree and none shall be afraid.’ I still believe that we shall overcome.”

WHEREAS:       The Ecumenical Fellowship, the City of Lawrence, Kansas, USD#497 and the University of Kansas along with other community institutions are all cooperating to support the activities planned for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday and encourage local residents to show their commitment to continue to develop Dr. King’s vision by participating in them;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Michael Dever, Mayor of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, do hereby proclaim the week of January 14^th through the 21st as

“DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR WEEK”

                                                                   Michael Dever, Mayor

January 14, 2014