Washington, DC – Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson today released the following statement about the 2010 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, which is celebrated on Monday, January 18:

“On Monday, our nation commemorates Martin Luther King, Jr., a man who has inspired me as he continues to inspire people around the world.  Through his words and his actions, Dr. King demonstrated that nonviolence and service to others are critical components of social change.  On Monday, we have the opportunity to remember this great man with a national Day of Service.  I commend the residents of the 30th Congressional District of Texas who plan to participate, as well as those who work to improve our communities throughout the year.”

On Wednesday, Congresswoman Johnson submitted the following statement to the Congressional Record:

I rise today in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. and to honor this great civil rights leader by supporting and continuing the tradition of a national day of service in his memory.

As a profoundly diverse country, our greatest strengths are evident when we come together in the spirit of community and work toward a greater good.  This notion of service was remarkably evident in Dr. King’s work, and it is fitting that we honor his legacy by working with our neighbors and fellow citizens to better our communities and country.  When Dr. King saw injustice, he worked diligently and by peaceful means to bring about positive change.  Today, it is important to remember that all of us can make a difference and emulate Dr. King’s efforts by working together.

In my district, there are major celebrations planned to honor the life of Dr. King, including a candle-lighting ceremony and a parade.  Students in the Dallas Independent School District have submitted essays that discuss the life and work of Dr. King, and additionally, people across the area will participate in service-oriented projects and volunteer for various organizations.  I am proud of the hard work they are doing to make North Texas a better place.

Today, we move forward by honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. and his great dream with renewed optimism.  It is my hope that this Day of Service will be a true reflection of his legacy and serve as a catalyst for good across the country. 

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U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson is the highest-ranking Texan on the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure and a senior member of the Science Committee. She represents the 30th Congressional District of Texas, which, includes Downtown Dallas, Fair Park, Oak Lawn, Old East Dallas, Pleasant Grove, & South Oak Cliff; all of Balch Springs, DeSoto, Hutchins, Lancaster & Wilmer and parts of Cedar Hill, Duncanville, Ferris, Glenn Heights and Ovilla.