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Special recognition celebrating January 19, 2026 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Lake County.
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SPECIAL RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. devoted his life to advancing justice, equality, and opportunity for all Americans, and his leadership and sacrifice continue to shape our nation’s ideals and civic life; and
WHEREAS, born on January 15, 1929, Dr. King became a Baptist minister and emerged as a national leader of the Civil Rights Movement, advocating for nonviolence and peaceful action as a means to bring about meaningful and lasting change; and
WHEREAS, Dr. King rose to national prominence during the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 by African Americans and went on to lead historic efforts that expanded civil rights and strengthened democratic participation throughout the United States; and
WHEREAS, on August 28, 1963, Dr. King addressed the nation, delivering his “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington, sharing his vision of a country where individuals are judged by the content of their character, not by the color of their skin, and where freedom and opportunity are extended to all; and
WHEREAS, Dr. King’s leadership helped bring about the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and prohibited discrimination in public accommodations and federally funded programs, as well as the Voting Rights Acts of 1965, after leading protests to remove restrictions on voting for people of color; and
WHEREAS, Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 at the age of 35 in recognition of his commitment to peaceful change, but was tragically assassinated four years later, on April 4, 1968; and
WHEREAS, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was established as a federal holiday in 1983 to honor his legacy and is the only federal holiday that is observed as a “Day of Service,” encouraging Americans to strengthen their communities through volunteerism and civic engagement; and
WHEREAS, Lake County affirms the values of equity, responsibility, and inclusion and strives to foster a community where all residents can contribute and thrive and includes these values in its Strategic Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RECOGNIZED, that this County Board of Lake County, Illinois, joins the nation in commemorating January 19, 2026, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and encourages residents to honor Dr. King’s legacy through service, reflection, and efforts to strengthen our shared community.
DATED at Waukegan, Illinois, on January 13, 2026.