Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 114 Part 4.djvu/131

 PUBLIC LAW 106-483—NOV. 9, 2000 114 STAT. 2193 Public Law 106-483 106th Congress Joint Resolution Recognizing that the Birmingham Pledge has made a significant contribution in Nov. 9, 2000 fostering racial harmony and reconciliation in the United States and around [HJ Res 102] the world, and for other purposes. Whereas Birmingham, Alabama, was the scene of racial strife in Alabama, the United States in the 1950s and 1960s; Whereas since the 1960s, the people of Birmingham have made substantial progress toward racial equality, which has improved the quality of life for all its citizens and led to economic prosperity; Whereas out of the crucible of Birmingham's role in the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s, a present-day grassroots movement has arisen to continue the effort to eliminate racial and ethnic divisions in the United States and around the world; Whereas that grassroots movement has found expression in the Birmingham Pledge, which was authored by Birmingham attorney James E. Rotch, is sponsored by the Community Affairs Committee of Operation New Birmingham, and is promoted by a broad cross section of the community of Birmingham; Whereas the Birmingham Pledge reads as follows: "I believe that every person has worth as an individual. "I believe that every person is entitled to dignity and respect, regardless of race or color. "I believe that every thought and every act of racial prejudice is harmful; if it is in my thought or act, then it is harmful to me as well as to others. "Therefore, from this day forward I will strive daily to eliminate racial prejudice from my thoughts and actions. "I will discourage racial prejudice by others at every opportunity. "I will treat all people with dignity and respect; and I will strive to honor this pledge, knowing that the world will be a better place because of my effort."; Whereas commitment and adherence to the Birmingham Pledge increases racial harmony by helping individuals communicate in a positive way concerning the diversity of the people of the United States and by encouraging people to make a commitment to racial harmony; Whereas individuals who sign the Birmingham Pledge give evidence of their commitment to its message; Whereas more than 70,000 people have signed the Birmingham Pledge, including the President, Members of Congress, Governors,

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