WHEREAS, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. devoted his life to advancing social justice, affirming human rights, and unifying communities; and
WHEREAS, the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. continues to inspire millions of North Carolinians and Americans to do good in their communities; and
WHEREAS, in 1994, the United States Congress designated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a National Day of Service, charging the Corporation for National and Community Service with leading this effort; and
WHEREAS, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service offers an opportunity for Americans to give back to their communities and make an ongoing commitment to service throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, despite the current pandemic, North Carolina residents can still volunteer safely during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on January 18, 2021 and beyond; contactless volunteer opportunities include calling an elderly neighbor, picking up litter, volunteering at a food bank, donating blood, signing up to deliver food, or hosting a neighborhood food drive, as well as creating and implementing virtual activities to encourage youth character development and positive community relations; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission was established by the General Assembly in 1993 to further the awareness and understanding of Dr. King’s legacy; the Commission encourages people to commemorate the fundamental importance of freedom in our lives with a bell ringing ceremony on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a tradition inspired by Dr. King’s widow, Mrs. Coretta Scott King; this year’s ceremonies will be part of a virtual celebration available to watch online; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day allows us all to reflect on the ongoing need to embrace those principles essential to Dr. King’s message: loving our neighbors, ending poverty, creating equitable economic opportunities, and taking nonviolent, direct action against hatred, racism, and oppression of any kind; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina joins in celebrating Dr. King as an incomparable civil rights leader, and in honoring his life and legacy by promoting justice, peace, service, and community engagement;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim January 18, 2021, as “DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.