STATEWIDE – Monday, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we acknowledged the accomplishments and legacy of the American hero.
This year, Jan. 18 was the day to celebrate and honor the life and times of the iconic civil rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Five score years ago, a great American in whose symbolic shadow we stand today signed the emancipation proclamation. This momentous decree came as a beacon of light of hope to millions of slaves,” said Martin Luther King Jr.
Maine Independent Sen. Angus King was among the tens of thousands of people who attended the March on Washington in August 1963.
“Dr. King’s words still echo in my ears all these years later,” King said.
Even 53 years after Martin Luther King‘s assassination, racial injustice and inequality continue to spread throughout America.
With the the tragic deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, it is evident Dr. King’s dream has not been fulfilled.
“It was wrong and it was not right. You have to be a part of this by making a change in a loving way by being a part of the Black Lives Matter movement, which I say Dr. King was already a part of,” said James Varner, president of Maine Human Rights Coalition.
Varner also was among the participants who were inspired by Dr. King’s message for the potential of change in today’s society.
“I pledge the beauty in diversity and having respect for all human beings whenever possible,” said Varner.
Sen. King said Dr. King’s dream of equality and freedom has been lost for years and it’s now our job to work together in pursuit of a country that guarantees’ love, hope and justice for all.
