Honoring Dr. King and His Legacy of Service

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06) released the following statement on the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering his “I Have a Dream Speech” to 250,000 supporters during the March on Washington:

“Fifty years ago today Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made his historic speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, delivering a message that would resonate with millions of Americans far and wide. He expressed his vision for a future of equality, opportunity, and freedom for all Americans.  He stressed that his dream was ‘deeply rooted in the American Dream,’ that it was available to all and not just to a select few. Today, we celebrate this transformational event that set in motion the great victories of the Civil Rights Movement, from the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the steady progress of our national character.

“Just as Dr. King’s work inspired a movement five decades ago that continues to be rooted in love, understanding, and respect to this day, his lifetime of sacrifice and struggle reminds us that our work to ensure the American Dream is within reach for every American is not yet finished. We must continue our commitment to give every American the tools they need to have equality of opportunity, from access to education, to the job opportunities and prosperity that only a strong economy can provide. Today, we honor Dr. King as we reflect on his achievements, remember his legacy of service, and rededicate ourselves to the great challenge of our generation, as we move forward together towards a future where every American can achieve their dreams.”

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