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 re-
ferred 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;
•HCON 247 IH
Whereas Dr. King advanced his goals and principles with de-
termination, 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 soci-
ety and moved the Nation significantly forward on the
long and unfinished road to racial harmony and reconcili-
ation;
Whereas the work of Dr. King created a basis of understand-
ing and respect for individuals, communities, and the Na-
tion as a whole, to act cooperatively and courageously to
establish tolerance, justice, and equality among all peo-
ple;
Whereas Dr. King’s life and political philosophy advocated
the need for men and women to strive to overcome op-
pression 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 non-
violent 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
•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
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That the Congress—
(1) recognizes the importance of the life and
work of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
to the civil society and freedoms of the United
States of America;
(2) recognizes that Dr. King’s life was trag-
ically taken before the full achievement of his goals;
and
(3) calls on the people of the United States to
study, reflect on, and celebrate Dr. King’s life and
ideals in order to fulfill his dream of civil and
human rights for all people.
Æ