In the Senate of the United States,
October 26 (legislative day, September 22), 2000.
Resolved, That the resolution from the House of Rep-
resentatives (H.J. Res. 102) entitled ‘‘Joint resolution recog-
nizing that the Birmingham Pledge has made a significant
contribution in fostering racial harmony and reconciliation in
the United States and around the world, and for other pur-
poses.’’ do pass with the following
AMENDMENTS:
Strike out all after the resolving clause and insert:
That—
(1) Congress recognizes that the Birmingham
Pledge is a significant contribution toward fostering
racial harmony and reconciliation in the United
States and around the world;
(2) Congress commends the creators, promoters,
and signatories of the Birmingham Pledge for the
steps they are taking to make the United States and
the world a better place for all people; and
HJ 102 EAS
(3) it is the sense of Congress that a particular
week should be designated as ‘‘National Birmingham
Pledge Week’’.
Strike out the preamble and insert:
Whereas Birmingham, Alabama, was the scene of racial strife
in the United States in the 1950s and 1960s;
Whereas since the 1960s, the people of Birmingham have made
substantial progress toward racial equality, which has im-
proved the quality of life for all its citizens and led to eco-
nomic prosperity;
Whereas out of the crucible of Birmingham’s role in the civil
rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, a present-day
grassroots movement has arisen to continue the effort to
eliminate racial and ethnic divisions in the United States
and around the world;
Whereas that grassroots movement has found expression in the
Birmingham Pledge, which was authored by Birmingham
attorney James E. Rotch, is sponsored by the Community
Affairs Committee of Operation New Birmingham, and is
promoted by a broad cross section of the community of
Birmingham;
Whereas the Birmingham Pledge reads as follows:
‘‘I believe that every person has worth as an indi-
vidual.
‘‘I believe that every person is entitled to dignity and
respect, regardless of race or color.
‘‘I believe that every thought and every act of racial
prejudice is harmful; if it is in my thought or act, then
it is harmful to me as well as to others.
HJ 102 EAS
‘‘Therefore, from this day forward I will strive daily
to eliminate racial prejudice from my thoughts and ac-
tions.
‘‘I will discourage racial prejudice by others at every
opportunity.
‘‘I will treat all people with dignity and respect; and
I will strive to honor this pledge, knowing that the world
will be a better place because of my effort.’’;
Whereas commitment and adherence to the Birmingham Pledge
increases racial harmony by helping individuals commu-
nicate in a positive way concerning the diversity of the
people of the United States and by encouraging people to
make a commitment to racial harmony;
Whereas individuals who sign the Birmingham Pledge give evi-
dence of their commitment to its message;
Whereas more than 70,000 people have signed the Birmingham
Pledge, including the President, Members of Congress, Gov-
ernors, State legislators, mayors, county commissioners,
city council members, and other persons around the world;
Whereas the Birmingham Pledge has achieved national and
international recognition;
Whereas efforts to obtain signatories to the Birmingham Pledge
are being organized and conducted in communities around
the world;
Whereas every Birmingham Pledge signed and returned to Bir-
mingham is recorded at the Birmingham Civil Rights In-
stitute, Birmingham, Alabama, as a permanent testament
to racial reconciliation, peace, and harmony; and
Whereas the Birmingham Pledge, the motto for which is ‘‘Sign
It, Live It’’, is a powerful tool for facilitating dialogue on
the Nation’s diversity and the need for people to take per-
HJ 102 EAS
sonal steps to achieve racial harmony and tolerance in
communities: Now, therefore, be it
Attest:
Secretary.