Today I will not be getting my Financial Times newspaper thrown on my front steps because the US is celebrating Martin Luther King Jr Day, to commerorate his leadership and commitment to justice, equality, and the elimination of racism. So the FT's US edition will not be published.
Interestingly, as a resident of Toronto, I noticed that it is one of the only cities - if not the only one - that actually observes the day, as well. It began in 2010, with a message from the former mayor, David Miller. And last year, Mayor Ford had the following message to celebrate the day:
WHEREAS Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy to society is his leadership and commitment to justice, equality and the elimination of racism.
After visiting India in 1959, Dr. King adopted Mahatma Ghandi's principle of non-violent persuasion as an instrument of social protest and resistance. Dr. King strengthened the American civil rights movement by building upon the actions of grassroots activism, leading drives for voter registration and campaigning for desegregation. Focused on the elimination of barriers faced by people of African descent, Dr. King worked to achieve an inclusive society that embraced the differences amongst people.
Dr. King was a remarkable man who achieved great victories for African Americans in his lifetime. His passion and commitment to making a difference resonated around the world and translated into the great successes and accomplishments of Black communities everywhere. In 1964, at the age of thirty-five, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. became the youngest man to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
The residents of Toronto remember and honour the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in January of each year and reaffirm their commitment to the basic principles of human rights, equality and justice.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Rob Ford, on behalf of Toronto City Council do hereby proclaim January 17, 2011 as "Martin Luther King Jr. Day" in the City of Toronto.
I look forward to reading this year's message; although I cannot seem to find out when Toronto is celebrating the day this year.
