Schakowsky Statement Commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day

EVANSTON – Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip, released the following statement commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day:

“Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy will forever stand as a reminder of our capacity to make real, lasting change for the betterment of all. Today, Dr. King’s message is more important than ever: To create a just society where all individuals can succeed, we must come together as a nation to right our wrongs.

"This morning, I was honored to join civil rights warrior, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., a close friend and colleague of Dr. King, as he offered a powerful and inspiring message of hope and action.

“It is well past time we address the systemic racism that plagues our health, education, criminal justice, and economic systems. Furthermore, we must confront the hate and intolerance that continues to divide us. We are more alike than we are different. In his 1963 letter from the Birmingham jail where he was imprisoned as a participant in nonviolent demonstrations against segregation, Dr. King wrote, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.’

“We all have a role to play in our pursuit of creating a more equitable nation, one in which our systems work for everyone, not just a wealthy few. One where all Americans can access the ballot box, afford sound and safe housing, obtain an exceptional education, and access quality health care.

“Dr. King presented us with the vision of a world where justice and love triumph over bigotry and hate. He took action to make our society better. He made us understand that each one of us has the power to speak out, to act, and to change the world.

“Today and every day, it is my hope that we can all commit ourselves to ‘good trouble’– to create a better and more just America for all.”

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