Governor Proclaims Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2023

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 help others in their communities; and

WHEREAS, in 1994, the United States Congress designated the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday as a National Day of Service, charging the Corporation for National and Community Services 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 while making an ongoing commitment to serve throughout the year; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina residents are encouraged to volunteer during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on January 16, 2023 and beyond to continue Dr. King’s legacy; there are countless in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities for adults, families, and youth; 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; 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 16, 2023, as “DR.  MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.