Office of the Mayor
Proclamation
Lawrence, Kansas
WHEREAS: The theme of this celebration is “Ordinary People Can Make a Difference” and there is value in setting aside a day or days for the recalling of the legacy that the Reverend Dr. King left us and thereby in rededicating ourselves to the truths that he strove for; and
WHEREAS: National holidays, sich as Dr. King’s, help us to recall the exceptional and separate character of our values and our way of life; and
WHEREAS: In 1963, the Reverend Dr. King inspired us stating: “I am not afraid of tension. I have earnestly worked and preached against violent tension, but there is a type of constructive nonviolent tension that is necessary for growth. Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half-truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, we must see the need of having nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that wil help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood” It is 2007 and it is time for ordinary people to become involved, to make a difference and to create this tension that Dr. King characterized as being a creative one; and
WHEREAS: The City of Lawrence, USD #497, and the University of Kansas, along with other community institutions, are all cooperating to support the activities planned for the 22nd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration and urge local residents to take part in them;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mike Amyx, Mayor of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, do hereby proclaim January 8 - 13, 2007 to be
.
January 9, 2007