A friend just brought it to the attention of Gary Revel today that the United States Government has indeed recognized his conclusion of a conspiracy in the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. The House of Representatives and the Senate of the United States clearly confirmed that 'THEY SLEW THE DREAMER' versus he slew the dreamer that the lone gunman (James Earl Ray) theory of King's murder implied in a joint resolution. On January 15, 2001, after the civil trial in Memphis that concluded King's assassination was the result of a conspiracy and many years after Gary's song 'They Slew The Dreamer' about the conspiracy and assassination was recorded and released the House and Senate concurred to present a resolution to the Reverend Willie Woodson, of Living the Dream, Inc. Within the context of the resolution it was quite deliberately stated that in fact even though 'they slew the dreamer' the dream was not dead. The wording in this presentation makes it clear that the present government of the United States of America believes that officials and leaders of our government in the 1960's, 1970's and some in the 80's, 90's and possibly even some today are guilty of being involved in the conspiracy or at least the cover-up of King's killing. It must also be recognized that the news organizations of America are culpable as well in promoting the lie of 'he slew the dreamer' in thousands of news articles, stories and press releases over the last thirty five years and at this point owes all Americans as well as interested people around the world a great apology for such deliberate acts of criminal conspiracy to cover-up a crime
The resolution follows:
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 755
Offered January 15, 2001
Commending "Living the Dream, Inc." on its work to preserve and promote the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Patron Robinson
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., history's greatest visionary and orator, was a "drum major for justice, peace, and righteousness" who decided early to give his life to something eternal and absolute; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., noted scholar, prolific writer, peacemaker, and theologian, embarked on his divine calling in 1955 when he organized the Montgomery Bus Boycott and led the citizens of Montgomery, Alabama, to protest the arrest of Rosa Parks, who refused to relinquish her seat near the front of a bus to a white man; and
WHEREAS, the Montgomery Bus Boycott was the catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement, marshaling, galvanizing, and unifying African-Americans and other justice-loving persons across the nation to change the social order and the status quo through nonviolent protests; and
WHEREAS, many persons, inspired by his message of love, faith, hope, peace, and the equality of mankind, labored with him to bring freedom, justice, and human dignity to a people oppressed by centuries of cruel bondage, rejection, and discrimination, thereby transforming and liberating all men; and
WHEREAS, Dr. King's message and legacy stands as a beacon for the humble masses throughout the world, encouraging them to keep "their eyes on the prize for the promised land is ahead"; and
WHEREAS, six years before the signing of legislation by former Governor Charles S. Robb, on April 9, 1984, to establish the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday in Virginia, the Richmond Committee of Black Clergy and Virginia Union University created Community Learning Week, Inc., a community-based, educational program designed to honor the memory and commemorate the accomplishments of Dr. King; and
WHEREAS, since 1978, Community Learning Week, Inc. has led the Richmond metropolitan communities in celebrating the King holiday with appropriate year-round commemorative, educational, spiritual, and service-oriented activities whereby his philosophy and principles of the Beloved Community can be practiced; and
WHEREAS, this year, "Community Learning Week, Inc.," currently known as "Living the Dream, Inc." marks 23 years of continuous community-owned and community-based observances of the King holiday, one of the original and the longest organized event of its kind in the nation; and
WHEREAS, the success of annual commemorative events and activities under the auspices of Living the Dream, Inc., co-sponsored by more than 125 businesses, public and private schools, higher education institutions, and religious and civic organizations, is the result of "tireless efforts and the persistent work of dedicated individuals"; and
WHEREAS, Living the Dream, Inc. exemplifies the spirit of service and leadership espoused by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and represents a consensus-building force and a multifaceted, interfaith, culturally diverse union devoted to healing, improving, and enhancing the racial climate in the Richmond metropolitan area; and
WHEREAS, Justice John Marshall Harlan insightfully wrote, "the destinies of the two races in this country are indissolubly linked together, and the interests of both require that the common government of all shall not permit the seeds of race hate to be planted under the sanction of law," and it is the profundity of this expression that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. so eloquently articulated during his lifetime and now fervently championed by Living the Dream, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Living the Dream, Inc. urges us to remember and draw strength from the fact that though they slew the dreamer, the dream is not dead, and it is fitting that we recognize and commend this organization for continuing the great work begun by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That "Living the Dream, Inc." be commended on its work to preserve and promote the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Executive Director, the Reverend Willie Woodson, of Living the Dream, Inc., as an expression of the General Assembly's respect and admiration for the outstanding contributions of Living the Dream, Inc. in promoting greater understanding and appreciation of the brotherhood of mankind.
About the Author
Gary Revel: Born in Florala Alabama June 29, 1949. Raised in Lower Alabama and Florida. Formed rock band at 15, played guitar and sang lead. Graduated high school from Holmes County High School in Bonifay Florida. At 18 he joins the United States Navy and from there it's the music business in Hollywood California. An involvement with Naval Intelligence prepares him for work on the investigation of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.