To: Dale K. Weighill, Governmental Operations Committee Chairperson
From: Jerome Threlkeld, Organizational Development Coordinator
title
RE: Approval of a resolution recognizing January 19, 2026 as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of a resolution recognizing January 19, 2026 as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
BACKGROUND:
From the establishing resolution (RES-2022-279) four goals of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission are to: (1) increase awareness of social injustices and its effects, (2) to improve fair and equal treatment for all, (3) to enhance the county’s reputation as being welcoming to all, and (4) to equip and empower people to resolve social justice issues
DISCUSSION:
Members of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission met with local Truth & Racial Healing Practitioners along with Lynn Williams of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. This resolution was presented and voted to propose to Genesee County Board of Commissioners at their meeting, November 18, 2025.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
Inclusive, Collaborative Culture - Members of the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission met with local Truth & Racial Healing Practitioners along with Lynn Williams of the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. This resolution was presented and voted to propose to Genesee County Board of Commissioners at their meeting, November 18, 2025.
.resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
WHEREAS, in 1983 President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law, making the third Monday in January a federal holiday honoring the life and legacy of slain civil rights leader the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who was born on January 15, 1929, and who fearlessly led a movement for the recognition of African Americans’ rights, using nonviolent resistance as a tool for social change, which contributed directly to the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act; and
WHEREAS, Dr. King’s writings such as “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” which was written while he was arrested for demonstrating against racial segregation, express the urgency for meaningful social change in the face of ongoing oppression and the recognition that “an unjust law is no law at all;” and
WHEREAS, Dr. King was also firmly committed to ending war and poverty; and
WHEREAS, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day of national service where Americans of all backgrounds honor his commitment to universal human dignity through volunteering in their communities for causes that affirm human rights, alleviate suffering, and promote freedom for all people; and
WHEREAS, the local Genesee County community will mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day with commemorations including a celebration on January 17, 2026 at the Gloria Coles Flint Public Library, the 20th annual Inspiration Breakfast hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flint and Genesee on January 19, 2026, and a keynote address and volunteer opportunities coordinated by the University of Michigan-Flint also on January 19; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Board of Commissioners hereby recognizes January 19, 2026 as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and encourages all county departments to engage in appropriate recognitions such as participation in community events including acts of volunteer service,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Genesee County Clerk/Register is directed to provide one copy of this Resolution to each city, village, and township within Genesee County and to each County Clerk in the State of Michigan.