Press Release
| For Immediate Release January 21, 2008 |
Contact: Adam Sharon (202) 225-4506 |
Statement of
U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL)
Regarding the Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Kendrick B. Meek issued the following statement in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day which will be observed on January 21st:
"Dr. King brought the civil rights movement to every living room in this country. He marched for freedom in the face of unspeakable racial prejudice, yet preached a message of nonviolence, civility and tolerance. It took Dr. King's forceful movement and powerful words to bring about lasting change to this country.
"Today is a day marked by national service. On this day when we celebrate the 79th birthday of Dr. King we can further the hopes and dreams of Dr. King by committing ourselves to serving our neighborhoods and communities so that they may flourish.
"We celebrate Dr. King's dream, but realize that more progress is needed before his dream becomes a reality. Minority communities face obstacles every day - poverty, unemployment, lack of healthcare, and access to housing. It is a tragic waste that 1 in 5 children live in poverty, including more than one-third of African American children.
"We remember Mrs. Coretta Scott King, a legendary civil rights advocate. During a time of national grief and unrest following Dr. King's assassination, she became a symbol of her husband's struggle for peace and unity. On this day, we also honor this wonderful matriarchal figure, a role model who helped lead the struggle for equality.
"Dr. King paved the way for so many people, including me, to assume roles of influence in this country. And for all his work, he created a more just society and made this country an even better place to live. We are forever indebted to Dr. King and his lifetime of service, activism and dedication."
Congressman Kendrick B. Meek represents Florida's 17th Congressional District, which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves as the lone Floridian on the House Committee on Ways and Means and also serves on the House Armed Services Committee.
