; Whereas Tony Bennett was a lifelong champion of civil rights, using his music and his platform to speak out vociferously against racism and discrimination; Whereas Tony Bennett and Harry Belafonte even marched together in the historic Selma to Montgomery marches, standing alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to demand equality and justice for all; Whereas Tony Bennett used his influence for good, to help promote Black artists in the music industry and to raise awareness of racial inequality; and Whereas the designation of August 3, 2023, as Tony Bennett Day will commemorate the birth of this legendary artist, and celebrate his extraordinary life and the impact he has had on the United States and the world: Now, therefore, be it