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WHEREAS, six years before signing of legislation by former Governor Charles S. Robb, on April 9, 1984, to establish Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday in Virginia, Richmond Committee of Black Clergy and Virginia Union University created Community Learning Week, Inc., a community-based, educational program designed to honor memory and commemorate accomplishments of Dr. King; and
WHEREAS, since 1978, Community Learning Week, Inc. has led Richmond metropolitan communities in celebrating King holiday with appropriate year-round commemorative, educational, spiritual, and service-oriented activities whereby his philosophy and principles of Beloved Community can be practiced; and
WHEREAS, this year, "Community Learning Week, Inc.," currently known as "Living Dream, Inc." marks 23 years of continuous community-owned and community-based observances of King holiday, one of original and longest organized event of its kind in nation; and
WHEREAS, success of annual commemorative events and activities under auspices of Living Dream, Inc., co-sponsored by more than 125 businesses, public and private schools, higher education institutions, and religious and civic organizations, is result of "tireless efforts and persistent work of dedicated individuals"; and
WHEREAS, Living Dream, Inc. exemplifies spirit of service and leadership espoused by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and represents a consensus-building force and a multifaceted, interfaith, culturally diverse union devoted to healing, improving, and enhancing racial climate in Richmond metropolitan area; and
WHEREAS, Justice John Marshall Harlan insightfully wrote, "the destinies of two races in this country are indissolubly linked together, and interests of both require that common government of all shall not permit seeds of race hate to be planted under sanction of law," and it is profundity of this expression that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. so eloquently articulated during his lifetime and now fervently championed by Living Dream, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Living Dream, Inc. urges us to remember and draw strength from fact that though they slew dreamer, dream is not dead, and it is fitting that we recognize and commend this organization for continuing great work begun by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by House of Delegates, Senate concurring, That "Living Dream, Inc." be commended on its work to preserve and promote philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That Clerk of House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Executive Director, Reverend Willie Woodson, of Living Dream, Inc., as an expression of General Assembly's respect and admiration for outstanding contributions of Living Dream, Inc. in promoting greater understanding and appreciation of brotherhood of mankind.
Gary Revel: Born in Florala Alabama June 29, 1949. Raised in Lower Alabama and Florida. Formed rock band at 15, played guitar and sang lead. Graduated high school from Holmes County High School in Bonifay Florida. At 18 he joins the United States Navy and from there it's the music business in Hollywood California. An involvement with Naval Intelligence prepares him for work on the investigation of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.