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January 18, 2021: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a passionate leader in the Civil Rights movement who tirelessly promoted his teachings and philosophy of love, tolerance, and nonviolence; and,

WHEREAS, Dr. King dedicated his life to advancing social justice, equality, and freedom for all people across the United States, and his life and legacy continue to inspire us to pursue a more just society and stand up against discrimination, injustice, and violence; and,

WHEREAS, from 1957 to 1968, Dr. King travelled over six million miles and spoke over 2,500 times, wherever and whenever there was injustice, protest, and action, wrote numerous books and articles to promote his teachings, and directed the peaceful march on Washington, D.C. where he delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech; and,

WHEREAS, despite being arrested and assaulted numerous times, Dr. King continued to courageously and powerfully fight for what he believed in and to create a change he wished to see in the world; and,

WHEREAS, for his significant contributions and leadership to advocating for justice and peace in our nation, Dr. King was awarded five honorary degrees, named Man of the Year by Time magazine, and became the youngest man to have received Nobel Prize; and,

WHEREAS, Congress passed a bill in 1983 that declared third Monday of January as Dr. Martin Luther, King Jr. Day to honor the life and work of Dr. King, recommit ourselves to promoting the values of love, tolerance, and nonviolence he embedded in us, and think of our own ways to help build a just and equal society for all;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim January 18, 2021, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Michigan.