H.J.Res. 102 (eh) Recognizing that the Birmingham Pledge has made a significant contribution in fostering racial harmony and reconciliation in the United States and around the world, and for other purposes. [Engrossed in House] ...

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                  In the Senate of the United States,

                      October 26 (legislative day, September 22), 2000.
      Resolved, That the resolution from the House of Representatives 
(H.J. Res. 102) entitled ``Joint resolution recognizing that the 
Birmingham Pledge has made a significant contribution in fostering 
racial harmony and reconciliation in the United States and around the 
world, and for other purposes.'' do pass with the following

                              AMENDMENTS:

            Strike out all after the resolving clause and insert:

That--
            (1) Congress recognizes that the Birmingham Pledge is a 
        significant contribution toward fostering racial harmony and 
        reconciliation in the United States and around the world;
            (2) Congress commends the creators, promoters, and 
        signatories of the Birmingham Pledge for the steps they are 
        taking to make the United States and the world a better place 
        for all people; and
            (3) it is the sense of Congress that a particular week 
        should be designated as ``National Birmingham Pledge Week''.

            Strike out the preamble and insert:

Whereas Birmingham, Alabama, was the scene of racial strife in 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, State legislators, mayors, 
        county commissioners, city council members, and other persons around the 
        world;
Whereas the Birmingham Pledge has achieved national and international 
        recognition;
Whereas efforts to obtain signatories to the Birmingham Pledge are being 
        organized and conducted in communities around the world;
Whereas every Birmingham Pledge signed and returned to Birmingham is recorded at 
        the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Birmingham, Alabama, as a 
        permanent testament to racial reconciliation, peace, and harmony; and
Whereas the Birmingham Pledge, the motto for which is ``Sign It, Live It'', is a 
        powerful tool for facilitating dialogue on the Nation's diversity and 
        the need for people to take personal steps to achieve racial harmony and 
        tolerance in communities: Now, therefore, be it

            Attest:

                                                             Secretary.
106th CONGRESS

  2d Session

                             H. J. RES. 102

_______________________________________________________________________

                               AMENDMENTS

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