IV

105TH CONGRESS

1ST SESSION H. CON. RES. 195

Expressing the sense of Congress in support of National Days of Dialogue

associated with the national celebration of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther

King, Jr. to improve understanding and cooperation across race, ethnicity, culture, gender, religion and creed.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

NOVEMBER 9, 1997

Ms. HARMAN (for herself, Mr. SAWYER, Mr. REGULA, Mr. SPRATT, Mr. DAVIS

of Virginia, Mr. PORTMAN, Mr. BECERRA, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Mr.

BARRETT of Wisconsin, Mr. WATT of North Carolina, Ms. ROSLEHTINEN, Mr. HOUGHTON, Mr. DICKEY, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr.

MATSUI, and Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

Expressing the sense of Congress in support of National

Days of Dialogue associated with the national celebration

of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to improve

understanding and cooperation across race, ethnicity, culture, gender, religion and creed.

Whereas America is a pluralistic nation comprised of individuals of different races, ethnicity, cultures, genders, religions, and creeds;

Whereas this diversity is a source of strength for America,

but also a source for forces that can pull the nation

apart;
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HCON 195 IH

Whereas these forces play on uncertainty, prejudice, and ignorance to advance their cause at the expense of the

greater social good which can flow by abiding to principles of tolerance, justice and equality;

Whereas silence perpetuates division, conscientious dialogue

is a pre-requisite to resolving differences and ending prejudice because it not only increases understanding and cooperation, but also creates a context in which individuals

can develop respect, empathy and compassion for one another;

Whereas such dialogue helps people to see others as unique

individuals, not just as someone who is a particular race,

ethnicity, culture, gender, religion, or creed;

Whereas such dialogue is an essential ingredient in our nation’s ongoing effort to improve relations between individuals because it emphasizes listening and seeks to identify

areas of agreement in order to bridge the divide that too

often separates Americans;

Whereas such dialogue builds on the message of non-violence

espoused and practiced by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who dedicated his life to bridging differences between people and addressing deeply rooted divisions;

Whereas the work of Dr. King created a basis of understanding and respect and helped communities, and the nation

as a whole, to act cooperatively and courageously to restore tolerance, justice and equality between people;

Whereas the effectiveness of such dialogue has continually

been demonstrated across the country during times of

crisis, including successful efforts organized in Los Ange-
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HCON 195 IH

les following the polarizing effects of the Rodney King

verdict and O.J. Simpson trials;

Whereas the convening of National Days of Dialogue, particularly in association with the celebration of the birth

of Dr. King, will significantly increase the number of

American citizens who take personal responsibility to improve understanding and cooperation by organizing small

group dialogues in which individuals of different race,

ethnicity, cultures, genders, religion and creed will both

learn from each other and identify ways to work together

to solve common problems;

Whereas National Days of Dialogue will help create a profound and positive shift in the nature of human relations

in our country and lay the groundwork for the ongoing

cooperation that is needed to solve difficult problems;

Now, therefore, be it

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate

2 concurring), That the Congress supports and encourages

3 the convening of National Days of Dialogue associated

4 with the national celebration of the birth of Dr. Martin

5 Luther King, Jr. to improve understanding and coopera6 tion across race, ethnicity, culture, gender, religion and

7 creed and to build a lasting framework for reconciliation

8 between all people in America.

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