WHEREAS Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy to society is the leadership he provided by his commitment to justice, equality and the elimination of racism through non-violent social change.

Dr. King strengthened the civil rights movement by building upon the actions of grassroots activism which focused on the elimination of barriers faced by people of African descent to achieve an inclusive society that embraced the differences amongst people.

The people of Toronto are in the forefront of efforts to establish a caring and compassionate society based on the elimination of all forms of discrimination and disadvantage and the inherent ability within each of us to recognize that the fundamental strength of our community is our diversity.

The residents of Toronto honour Dr. King's memory each year with a day of remembrance in January, to reaffirm our commitment to the basic principles of human rights, equality and justice.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor David Miller, on behalf of Toronto City Council do hereby proclaim January 18, 2010 as "Martin Luther King Jr. Day" in the City of Toronto.