RESOLUTION
BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT COLLINS-BELLAMY, MAJORITY LEADER RUBBO, MAJORITY WHIP NORMAN, MINORITY LEADER BREEN, COUNCILMEMBERS PINEDA-ISAAC, DIAZ, AND HODGES:
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF YONKERS TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE LATE REVEREND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. AND RECOGNIZE JANUARY 19, 2026, AS A DAY OF SERVICE IN THE CITY OF YONKERS
WHEREAS, the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and civil rights activist, born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia as Michael King Jr., later changing his name to Martin Luther King Jr. after his father changed his own name in honor of the Protestant leader Martin Luther; and
WHEREAS, the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. earned a degree in sociology from Morehouse College, attended Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania, and later earned his doctoral degree from Boston University; and
WHEREAS, the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. married Coretta Scott in June 1953, and together they raised four children: Yolanda King, Martin Luther King III, Dexter Scott King, and Bernice King; and
WHEREAS, the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and rose to national prominence as a leader of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, bringing renewed energy and vision to the civil rights movement; and
WHEREAS, in 1957, the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., along with other ministers and civil rights leaders, founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), playing a critical role in advancing voting rights and civil liberties for people of color throughout the Southern United States; and
WHEREAS, in 1963, the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was arrested during demonstrations in Birmingham, Alabama, where he authored his historic “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” articulating his philosophy of nonviolent resistance; and
WHEREAS, on August 28, 1963, the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech at the historic March on Washington, attended by more than 200,000 people, proclaiming his belief that individuals should be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character; and
WHEREAS, the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to advancing peace, racial harmony, justice, and dignity for all people, regardless of race, color, or creed; and
WHEREAS, in 1964, the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his dynamic leadership and unwavering commitment to freedom, justice, and equality; and
WHEREAS, on April 4, 1968, the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, and his life and legacy continue to be honored through a national holiday observed annually on the third Monday in January; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is recognized worldwide for providing a voice for African Americans and remains a national hero whose legacy continues to inspire generations; and
WHEREAS, Monday, January 19, 2026, is observed nationally as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and as a “Day of Service,” known as “a day on, not a day off,” encouraging Americans to volunteer and strengthen their communities; and
WHEREAS, this national day of service promotes service, leadership, community development, and interfaith dialogue, inspiring residents to honor Dr. King’s legacy through meaningful civic engagement;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Yonkers hereby proclaims Monday, January 19, 2026, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and a “Day of Service” in the City of Yonkers, and encourages all residents to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service, unity, and commitment to justice.