[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 16, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 16, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
        THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., FEDERAL HOLIDAY COMMISSION

                                 ______


                               speech of

                           HON. LOUIS STOKES

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 1994

  Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1933, 
to extend the authorization for the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal 
Holiday Commission. I want to commend my colleagues, Representative 
John Lewis and Representative Tom Sawyer for bringing this bill to the 
floor today.
  The Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Commission was established in 
1984 to encourage appropriate celebrations and events relating to the 
observance of the Federal holiday in honor of Dr. King. The Commission 
has been extended twice previously and its current authorization is set 
to expire on April 20, 1994. It is imperative that we act quickly to 
extend the authorization for the Commission through September 30, 1999, 
to continue promotion of Dr. King's ideals of racial harmony, economic 
opportunity for all, and process through nonviolent social change.
  Mr. Chairman, this year all 50 States recognized Dr. King's birthday 
with a paid holiday. However, many Americans continue to perceive the 
King holiday solely as an African-American holiday, without relevance 
or meaning for other Americans. As a result, unfortunately, only 18 
percent of private employers grant their employees a paid holiday in 
observance of the King birthday holiday. This is a tragedy and a 
manifest dishonor to the memory of a man who devoted his life to 
inclusion and opportunity for all. As a nation, we can do better to 
celebrate Dr. King's legacy.
  H.R. 1933 extends the life of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Federal 
Holiday Commission for an additional 5 years, and authorizes 
appropriations for the Commission's work. With the limited resources 
provided to the Commission, it uses the holiday as a focal point for 
promoting activities aimed at community service; for combating 
violence, crime, drugs, and illiteracy; and for encouraging voter 
registration and urban economic development. We need to extend the life 
of the Commission to enable it to further develop programs to enhance 
the celebration of Dr. King's birthday, and spread his message of 
freedom, equality, and the dignity of man to every American.
  Mr. Chairman, at a time in our Nation when the public is crying out 
for solutions to a rising tide of social problems, these timeless 
truths professed by Dr. King are more relevant than ever. Every one of 
us should be very proud of the legacy of service to one's fellow man 
left by Dr. King. Our National Government needs to actively promote 
these ideals to our young people, and to people all over the world. 
Extending the life of the King Federal Holiday Commission will greatly 
enhance the ability of the Federal Government to promote these ideals. 
I strongly urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 1933.

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