Rep. Ruben Gallego Commemorates Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
"This weekend, we take time to reflect on the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who dedicated his life to furthering equality and broadening opportunity for all Americans.
"Last week marked what would have been the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 90th birthday, and what should have been a joyful celebration among family and friends. But we know our painful history—at only 39 years old, Dr. King's life was cut far too short. This day instead serves as a reminder of how recently Dr. King and his contemporaries struggled for civil rights, and how much work is still left to be done.
"On this day each year I am struck by just how far we've come because of the courage of regular folks who saw injustice and worked, in big and small ways, to correct it. And yet I admit I'm dispirited to see how far we have yet to go to achieve Dr. King's dream. Here in Arizona, children grow up without equal access to quality education, too many families live paycheck to paycheck, and it would be a mistake to pretend racism and prejudice have been defeated.
"'We may have all come on different ships, but we're in the same boat now,' Dr. King famously cautioned. In Arizona, our futures are linked, and what hurts one hurts us all. I'm grateful to and inspired by those who are working each day toward a brighter future for Arizonans and for all Americans. I am committed to continuing to fight with them to achieve the society that Dr. King and his wife Coretta envisioned – a more just society that celebrates our differences, takes care of those in need, and defends the right of every American to cast a vote and participate in our democracy.
"Dr. King's legacy of service to others and his continuous pursuit of justice continue to inspire generations of Americans. Today, young people are following in Dr. King's footsteps by launching their own movements for equality and justice. With their leadership, I'm confident that one day we'll realize Dr. King's vision together."