[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 15, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H276]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





            CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

  (Mr. SPANO asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the life of Dr. 
Martin Luther King, Jr.
  Dr. King lived a life dedicated to serving and being a voice for the 
oppressed across our Nation. His message of nonviolence resonated with 
many Americans during a tumultuous period of our history when basic 
civil rights were being denied to many based on the color of their 
skin.
  Drawing inspiration from his Christian faith, Dr. King believed his 
protests were the strongest weapon to achieve freedom and equality. In 
the end he paid the ultimate price, choosing courage over fear to 
overcome hatred and ignorance.
  He famously preached: ``Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only 
light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.''
  Because of Dr. King's influence, all Americans can gather together to 
celebrate diversity and the growth of human rights for each of us. I 
hope that everyone will join me in commemorating and remembering Dr. 
Martin Luther King, Jr., for his leadership, his sacrifices, and his 
legacy.

                          ____________________