IV

105TH CONGRESS

2D SESSION H. CON. RES. 247

Recognizing the contributions of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King,

Jr., to the civil society of the United States and the world and to

the cause of nonviolent social and political change to advance social

justice and equality for all races and calling on the people of the United

States to study, reflect on, and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther

King, Jr., on the thirtieth anniversary of his death.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

MARCH 19, 1998

Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma (for himself, Mr. DIAZ-BALART, and Mr. LEWIS of

Georgia) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Recognizing the contributions of the Reverend Dr. Martin

Luther King, Jr., to the civil society of the United States

and the world and to the cause of nonviolent social

and political change to advance social justice and equality

for all races and calling on the people of the United

States to study, reflect on, and celebrate the life of

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on the thirtieth anniversary

of his death.

Whereas the life work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., serves

as an inspiration to all people who believe in justice,

equality, and human rights;
2

•HCON 247 IH

Whereas Dr. King advanced his goals and principles with determination, faith, dignity, and courage in the face of

life-threatening opposition;

Whereas Dr. King raised the consciousness of the Nation to

fundamental injustices and inequalities in American society and moved the Nation significantly forward on the

long and unfinished road to racial harmony and reconciliation;

Whereas the work of Dr. King created a basis of understanding and respect for individuals, communities, and the Nation as a whole, to act cooperatively and courageously to

establish tolerance, justice, and equality among all people;

Whereas Dr. King’s life and political philosophy advocated

the need for men and women to strive to overcome oppression without resorting to violence;

Whereas Dr. King was the recipient of the 1964 Nobel Peace

Prize for his unrelenting efforts to bring about social and

racial justice;

Whereas Dr. King believed in, practiced, and urged others to

achieve political change and social equality through nonviolent means and dedicated his life to achieving the goal

of a fully integrated society;

Whereas there is still much work to be done in achieving full

reconciliation among America’s racial, social, and ethnic

communities and in creating a colorblind society;

Whereas Dr. King’s life was tragically ended on April 4,

1968, before completing his work and fulfilling his dream

of a Nation where people are not judged by the color of

their skin but by the content of their character; and
3

•HCON 247 IH

Whereas Dr. King’s political philosophy and life’s work shine

as a guiding light for all people who would live peacefully

together in freedom, both nationally and around the

world: Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate

2 concurring), That the Congress—

3 (1) recognizes the importance of the life and

4 work of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

5 to the civil society and freedoms of the United

6 States of America;

7 (2) recognizes that Dr. King’s life was trag8 ically taken before the full achievement of his goals;

9 and

10 (3) calls on the people of the United States to

11 study, reflect on, and celebrate Dr. King’s life and

12 ideals in order to fulfill his dream of civil and

13 human rights for all people.

Æ