WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, OH- As the nation prepares to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 16th, Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) urges all citizens to join her in reflecting on Dr. King's legacy.  "Dr. King dedicated his life to seeing that the United States would be a land of opportunity for all of its people.  Let us follow his example of nonviolence, courage, compassion, dignity, and public service.  The principle that we all have the power to dream, to care, and to build a better future in our communities is his legacy.  That is why, in addition to celebrating his life, Martin Luther King Jr. Day has become a time to volunteer and perform community service."

 Congresswoman Fudge said that while Dr. King focused on the struggle for civil rights for African-Americans during his lifetime, neither his message nor his activism was limited to people of color.  "Dr. King's greatest gift was to inspire people of all backgrounds and of every generation to create a more just world.  If he was alive today, I believe his heart would be troubled to know that 42 million Americans lived in poverty in 2010, the highest number in 52 years.   The numbers increased among White, Black and Hispanic Americans and include 27% of all children in Ohio.  Dr. King was a voice for economic justice.  He would be concerned that median household incomes have declined regardless of race since their peak before the Great Recession began in 2007. It's important that we recognize the work of Dr. King and use his legacy to inspire the leaders of today to create a brighter future for tomorrow," said Congresswoman Fudge.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. EVENT ADVISORY

Congresswoman Fudge will deliver special greetings at the Cleveland Orchestra's annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Concert at Severance Hall on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at 7:00 PM.  Severance Hall is located at 11001 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44106.

 For members of the media who need more information about the event, please contact Ana Papakhian, Director of Communications, Cleveland Orchestra,  216-231-7476.