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The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday, January 15th

'Stirred Our Nation to Its Soul'
King Holiday Bill Signed by Reagan

First to urge King's day

By J. ZAMGBA BROWNE
Amsterdam News Staff

If he was alive today, perhaps Howard Bennett, a native of Harlem, would have been the happiest man in his community, knowing that his effort to establish a national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is now a reality. 
Shortly after Dr. King was slain in April 1968, Bennett discussed the idea with a few friends of mounting a nationwide campaign to generate support for making Dr. King's Jan. 15th birthday a national symbol. 
Bennett's idea was enthusiastically accepted and he immediately formed a National Citizens Committee in Harlem to launch the drive. He later opened a headquarters on Lenox Avenue and West 127th Street. 
Between 1968 and 1970, Bennett, with limited financial resources, was able to collect over six million signatures from New York State and across the country in support of the idea to honor the famed civil rights leader. 
On April 4, 1970, the second anniversary of Dr. King's assassination, Bennett and his associates journeyed to Washington and presented the petitions to Reps. John Conyers (d-Mich.) and Shirley Chisholm (D-N.Y.). Conyers later introduced the King Holiday Bill in the House. 
Returning to Harlem, Bennett and his colleagues continued their effort to honor Dr. King, making contacts with various governors, mayors, legislators and local officials asking them to support the movement. 
Several states including New York and New Jersey were already observing Dr. King's birthday prior to last week's approval by the U.S. Senate designating the third Monday in January each year as a national holiday in honor of the civil rights crusader. 
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Throughout the campaign and up to his death two years ago, Bennett was assisted in the effort by William Byrd, president of the 131st Street Block Association, Hal Jackson of Inner City Broadcasting, Horace Aldice and Earl Lewis. 
Byrd who was Bennett's chief aide said many persons, particularly in the metropolitan area were not too enthusiastic about the idea of honoring Dr. King when it was first introduced. 
Now that victory is won, Byrd said many persons are claiming to be originators of the idea. "Some of them weren't even around when we were out there in rain, snow and sleet trying to solicit signatures," Byrd said. 
With the Bill honoring Dr. King now on President Reagan's desk for his signature, Byrd said no one has called to invite either him or any member of the original committee that started the campaign to witness the official signing. 
"I am proud of our accomplishments and one thing we are not going to do is beg for an invitation. I am certain that there are many in Harlem and across the country who know what our committee under Bennett did to make the dream a reality," Byrd said in an interview. 
He further said the only regrets he has so far is that Bennett is not around to see the fruit of his labor. "I am certain if he was around, he would be the proudest man in this country," Byrd said. 
In a tribute to Bennett, Byrd suggested that his bust be erected in a park on 135th Street and Five Avenue that is already named in his honor. "This single gesture," according to Byrd, "would be a great tribute to a man who started the drive that has resulted in a national holiday for the country's first Black. 
Meanwhile, popular recording artist Stevie Wonder who also played a key role in the movement was in the Big Apple last Friday to express his appreciation to all who lend their support. 
"Somewhere Dr. King is smiling, not because his birthday is a holiday," said Wonder, "but because he, too, is convinced that we are moving in the right direction."
Wonder called on all Americans to celebrate with pride the first holiday that was "demanded by the people." He said he is confident that Dr. King appreciates this honor, because it would be a day for "all of us to celebrate love, peace and unity."
Particularly, Wonder said he wants everyone to "celebrate our collective effort that brought Blacks, whites, reds, browns and yellows together in demanding special tribute to a courageous leader."

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