Anthony Foxx speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington on April 29, 2013, after President Barack Obama announced Foxx's nomination to succeed Ray LaHood as the next transportation secretary. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx, who President Barack Obama tapped Tuesday to be the next transportation secretary, just declared Thursday "A Day of Reason" in his home city, and asked Charlotte's citizens to observe the day.

May 2 is traditionally the National Day of Prayer, a government-designated religious event intended to encourage people to "turn to God in prayer and meditation." Foxx separately issued a "National Day of Prayer" proclamation for the city of Charlotte.

Foxx said in his proclamation that May 2 should be A Day of Reason because "the application of reason, more than any other means, has proven to offer hope for human survival on Earth."

Several current and former lawmakers have also expressed their support for the day, including Rep. Michael Honda, D-Calif., Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, D-D.C., and former Rep. Pete Stark, D-Calif.

The American Humanist Association, whose slogan is "Good without a God," created the National Day of Reason with the Washington Area Secular Humanists to raise awareness about government threats to religious liberty and up the profile of the non-religious community. The day will includes acts of service and discussions on rational thought.