Office of the Mayor
Proclamation
Lawrence, Kansas
WHEREAS: There is value in setting aside a day or days for the recalling of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy and in rededicating ourselves to the truths that he strove for; and
WHEREAS: National holidays such as Dr. King’s birthday help us bring into focus exceptional and separate character of our values and our way of life; and
WHEREAS: Providing us an opportunity to recognize liberties possible in the United States and to express our faith in what can be done within our system of government, patriotic celebrations renew our citizenship; and
WHEREAS: The Reverend Dr. King in 1958 challenged the conscience of a nation by saying “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. Even a superficial look at history reveals that no social advance rolls in on the wheels of inevitability. Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. Without persistent effort, time itself becomes an ally of the insurgent and primitive forces of irrational emotionalism and social destruction. This is not time for apathy or complacency. This is a time of vigorous and positive action.” While it is now 2005, it is still not a time for complacency, but a time for positive action; and
WHEREAS: The City of Lawrence, Kansas, USD #497, Haskell Indian Nations University, University of Kansas and other community institutions are all cooperating to support the activities planned for the 20th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration and urge local residents to take part in them;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mike Rundle, Mayor of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, do hereby proclaim the week of January 10 – 17, 2005 as