Napolitano: ‘Dr. King Spoke of America’s Sacred Obligation’

(Washington D.C.)- In recognition of Martin Luther King Day, celebrated on Monday, January 15th, Congresswoman Grace F. Napolitano (D-Norwalk) released the following statement:

“America celebrates Martin Luther King Day in recognition of his truly inspiring efforts to peacefully expose the injustices faced by all minorities, thereby beginning the national movement towards equality of opportunity which continues to this day.  Leaders of all minority communities owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to his passionate promotion of civil rights, to his unprecedented power of speech which gave people the faith and courage to work peacefully for change, and to his personal belief in equality for all!

“Dr. King believed that the government had a fundamental responsibility to meet the needs of its people.  In his famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, Dr. King spoke of America’s ‘sacred obligation.’  He said, ‘When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir.’  Those words were true in 1963, and they are still true today. 

“The first 100 hours of the 110th Congress are helping America come closer to achieving its promise, addressing the critical needs of all Americans, and helping African American families in this country in particular.  These bills in the first 100 hours will bring a pay raise to 2.1 million hard-working African Americans, reduce drug prices for the 3.9 million African American Medicare beneficiaries, and help the 2.1 million African American students at degree-granting institutions and the many more seeking the opportunity to attend college.

“So at this moment, and in Reverend Martin Luther King’s name, let us recommit to this beacon of change and work to bring about opportunity for all Americans.  We all must help America fulfill Dr. King’s dream.  Our Congress is dedicated to this end.”

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