WHEREAS:

The life and death of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. have a special meaning for AFSCME members. On April 4, 1968, Dr. King gave his life in support of striking sanitation workers in Memphis.

WHEREAS:

Dr. King’s support for the Memphis sanitation workers was part of his lifetime struggle for justice, human dignity, and equality for all. Dr. King’s struggle was all the more inspiring because it was wedded to a commitment to nonviolence.

WHEREAS:

AFSCME has supported efforts to honor the memory of this great man throughout its history including urging Congress to enact legislation designating Dr. King’s birthday as a national legal holiday.

WHEREAS:

President Clinton signed Congressional legislation proposing the establishment of a national memorial in Washington, DC to honor Dr. King.

WHEREAS:

In order to build a national memorial to Dr. King, a charter was approved for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Project Foundation to raise the resources needed to design and construct a fitting memorial.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That AFSCME renew its commitment to fight for the principles for which Dr. King stood by joining in a partnership with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Project Foundation to help raise the necessary resources for this memorial.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME councils and local unions adopt a goal of one dollar per member for the year 2007, submit a resolution to their respective executive boards as part of its commitment to help raise the resources for the memorial, and transmit the funds raised to the International Union headquarters. AFSCME Councils and local unions are also encouraged to appoint a fundraising chair for this important effort.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That the International Union headquarters coordinate these efforts to ensure that AFSCME’s name and historic connection to Dr. King is included in the national memorial.