Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr celebrated
THE Indian-American community, including Vice President Kamala Harris, celebrated the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr, asserting that the country must continue to fight for the freedom to vote and freedom for all.
King, a champion of civil rights for Blacks, was born on January 15, 1929, in Atlanta, Georgia.
‘Dr Martin Luther King, Jr pushed for racial justice, economic justice, and the freedom that unlocks all others: the freedom to vote,' Harris said.
‘To truly honor the legacy of the man we celebrate today, we must continue to fight for the freedom to vote and for freedom for all,' she added.
‘As we celebrate and reflect on the legacy of Rev Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, let us all recommit to building a better, fairer, more equitable world,' Harris said.
There is a long way to go when it comes to achieving the dream of Martin Luther King Jr, said Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi.
Despite the strides made towards equality since the civil rights movement, the country ‘still has far to go in ridding itself of the bigotries that have haunted us for so long,' he said.
‘Americans of all backgrounds must come together and reject hatred in all its forms while standing shoulder to shoulder to expand the circle of inclusion,' Krishnamoorthi said.
As the COVID-19 pandemic fades, its impacts, including the surge in anti-Asian hate crimes, continue despite expanded law enforcement programmes, he noted.
Congressman Ro Khanna said, ‘Today we honor Martin Luther King Jr, one of the greatest champions of justice and human rights in our nation's history. As we reflect on his legacy, let's recommit to creating a more equal and just America for generations to come.'
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal said Dr King was a once-in-a-generation leader and in the toughest of times, he ‘called on us to dream and organize.'