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, eth-
nicity, 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. ROS-
LEHTINEN, Mr. HOUGHTON, Mr. DICKEY, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr.
MATSUI, and Ms. MILLENDER-MCDONALD) submitted the following con-
current 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, cul-
ture, gender, religion and creed.
Whereas America is a pluralistic nation comprised of individ-
uals of different races, ethnicity, cultures, genders, reli-
gions, and creeds;
Whereas this diversity is a source of strength for America,
but also a source for forces that can pull the nation
apart;
HCON 195 IH
Whereas these forces play on uncertainty, prejudice, and ig-
norance to advance their cause at the expense of the
greater social good which can flow by abiding to prin-
ciples of tolerance, justice and equality;
Whereas silence perpetuates division, conscientious dialogue
is a pre-requisite to resolving differences and ending prej-
udice because it not only increases understanding and co-
operation, but also creates a context in which individuals
can develop respect, empathy and compassion for one an-
other;
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 na-
tion’s ongoing effort to improve relations between individ-
uals 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 Lu-
ther King, Jr., who dedicated his life to bridging dif-
ferences between people and addressing deeply rooted di-
visions;
Whereas the work of Dr. King created a basis of understand-
ing and respect and helped communities, and the nation
as a whole, to act cooperatively and courageously to re-
store 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-
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, par-
ticularly in association with the celebration of the birth
of Dr. King, will significantly increase the number of
American citizens who take personal responsibility to im-
prove 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 pro-
found 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
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate
concurring), That the Congress supports and encourages
the convening of National Days of Dialogue associated
with the national celebration of the birth of Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. to improve understanding and coopera-
tion across race, ethnicity, culture, gender, religion and
creed and to build a lasting framework for reconciliation
between all people in America.
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