Proclamation
Whereas, January 15, 2025 marks the 96th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and
Whereas, Dr. King was a pivotal leader in the Civil Rights Movement and Nobel Peace Prize winner whose commitment to non-violent activism radically transformed the fight for racial equality nationwide, paving the way for landmark achievements like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965. Though his life was tragically cut short by assassination on April 4, 1968, his enduring legacy has inspired, and continues to inspire, generations of Americans in the pursuit of justice and equality; and
Whereas, celebrating Dr. King and his legacy compels us to speak out against injustice and stand up for communities that often go unheard because, as Dr. King said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” reminding us that real change starts when we refuse to stay silent; and
Whereas, both nationally and locally, Dr. King’s legacy has influenced elected leaders and community members to confront and address historic and ongoing oppression of people of color
, including housing discrimination, environmental injustice, biased policing, and all forms of structural racism; and
Whereas, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a recognized state holiday in California, and since 1977, the City of Alameda has honored it through community events—ranging from park clean-ups to dance and music performances, speeches, and tributes at City Hall — bringing people together to reflect, engage, and serve; and
Whereas, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is also a federal holiday, recognized as a National Day of Service that inspires people to turn reflection into action—a “day on, not a day off.” Across the City and the County, community members “give back” to honor Dr.
King’s legacy, from cleaning up the MLK Regional Shoreline to engaging in civic leadership, and more. Dr. King showed us that the power of words, non-violent resistance, and grassroots action can break barriers and achieve what once seemed impossible.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that I, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, Mayor of the City of Alameda, hereby declare January 20, 2025, as
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
in the City of Alameda and encourage all residents to take part in community service projects to honor his legacy, and to learn more about the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through books highlighted on the Library’s online catalog, by visiting the
Main Library’s (1550 Oak Street, Alameda) book display in the Children’s Area, and by attending a screening of the 1987 PBS Documentary: "In Remembrance of Martin" on Sunday, January 19 from 2 to 4 PM in the Library’s Stafford Meeting Room.