WHEREAS, Today, the third Monday in January, we remember and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who would become a beacon of hope for equality in our nation; and
     WHEREAS, Dr. King used his gift of oratory to awaken America to the realities of life for many Americans and to make life better for all by encouraging change through nonviolent means; and
     WHEREAS, Dr. King's steadfast faith encouraged others, as exemplified in his famous "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered 50 years ago this coming August 28th, in which he said, "With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope"; and
     WHEREAS, Dr. King's unwavering support for the principles of racial justice and social equality helped change America; and
     WHEREAS, In his life, Dr. King called on others to make a personal commitment to serve humanity by helping the less fortunate, uniting as a global family, and acting with kindness and compassion; and
     WHEREAS, Service is a powerful way to commemorate the words and deeds of Dr. King and to translate our reverence for his life and teachings into action to make our nation better; and
     WHEREAS, Dr. King believed that a person's worth should not be measured by his or her color, culture, or class, but rather by his or her commitment to making life better for all through service rendered to each other;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Senate, on behalf of the people of the state of Washington, and in recognition of the courageous leadership and legacy of hope demonstrated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., honors his memory by urging all citizens of our state to continue the legacy of Dr. King by treating all people as equal.