[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 15, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E80]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                BIRTHDAY OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 15, 2014

  Mr. CONYERS. I rise today to honor the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr., the man who so many year ago inspired me and challenged me 
to pursue a life in public service. His message of love, hope, and 
compassion ignited a Civil Rights Movement that changed the hearts of 
millions of Americans. His stirring rhetoric, his devotion to non-
violence even in the face of grave danger, and his example of moral 
courage, breathed new life into the promises of freedom, equality, and 
justice that have always defined American democracy.
  Today I remind my colleagues that the nation and world of which he 
dreamed of remains unrealized. We have eliminated the most invidious 
forms of Jim Crow, but racism still permeates far too much of our daily 
lives. We have made great strides in ensuring equal opportunity 
regardless of race, sex, or religion, but vast inequalities still 
exist. We have been stalled in our efforts to ensure that every 
American has the opportunity to grow through education, gain dignity 
through honest work, and receive equal treatment before the law. These 
are the struggles where we have failed to live up to the example set by 
Dr. King; these are the battles Dr. King would be fighting if he was 
still around to celebrate his 85th birthday.
  Remember Dr. King, be thankful for the legacy he left behind, and 
consider what we can do to honor his memory.
  Happy Birthday Dr. King. Happy Birthday to you.

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