37694

WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born on January 15, 1929, and dedicated his life to the pursuit of social justice, equality, and civil rights for all people, advocating for a society where individuals are judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character; and 

WHEREAS, Dr. King’s philosophy of nonviolent resistance became a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement, serving as both an inspiration and a guiding principle for countless activists who sought to dismantle systemic racism and promote equality; and 

WHEREAS, Through his activism, Dr. King fought tirelessly for voting rights, recognizing that access to the ballot is fundamental to democracy and essential in ensuring that all voices, particularly those of marginalized communities, are heard; and 

WHEREAS, His leadership during the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965 illustrated his unwavering commitment to civil rights, demonstrating the urgent need for legislative measures that protect voting rights for African Americans and dismantling barriers to political participation; and 

WHEREAS, Dr. King's commitment to social justice and equality has had a profound and lasting impact not just on the nation, but particularly on the Black residents of Portland, Oregon, who have experienced both the struggles and the triumphs of the Civil Rights Movement; and 

WHEREAS, In Portland, Dr. King’s legacy is felt in the continued fight against discrimination, economic inequality, and social injustices faced by the Black community; his teachings inspire local organizations and leaders to advocate for policies that promote racial equity, access to education, healthcare, and fair housing; and 

WHEREAS, The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations in Portland serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and the necessity of collective action, bringing together community members in solidarity to honor Dr. King’s legacy while also addressing contemporary issues faced by the Black community; and 

WHEREAS, While significant progress has been made since Dr. King’s time, the City of Portland acknowledges that challenges remain, including systemic racism, economic disparities, and inequities in education and employment, and recognizes the importance of Dr. King’s vision as a guiding light for continued advocacy and action; and 

WHEREAS, The City of Portland is committed to honoring Dr. King's legacy by promoting inclusive practices, supporting initiatives that uplift the Black community, and fostering a more equitable city for all residents; 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of Portland, Oregon, hereby acknowledges and honors the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on January 15, 2025, and encourages all residents to reflect on his contributions to civil rights, the impact of his teachings on the Black residents of Portland, and the ongoing relevance of his work in the pursuit of social justice and equality;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council calls upon community organizations, educational institutions, and residents to engage in activities that promote Dr. King’s vision of justice and equality and to renew their commitment to confronting racial disparities and advocating for the rights of all communities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall be made a part of the official minutes of the City Council, and its sponsors shall distribute copies to community organizations and stakeholders that continue to align with and promote the values and vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. within our city.