Washington, D.C. - Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) today released the following statement in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday:
“Today we celebrate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a leader, minister, and Nobel Laureate whose work transformed the social and political landscape of our country.
Dr. King fought to rid the world of the notion that the American dream was only in the reach of Americans of a certain race or ethnicity. It is important that we continue to make sure his dream is realized. I have been shocked and saddened by the recent hate crimes perpetrated against two African American churches, two schools, and at several Hanukkah displays in Montgomery County.
Residents of Montgomery County take pride in the fact that ours is an inclusive community. We are strengthened by our cultural and racial differences and will not tolerate acts of hate. Those who seek to divide us will only reinforce our determination to stand united.
Martin Luther King’s birthday is a true celebration of the American dream – a dream that all people are created equal and should have equal opportunity.
On this day, it is also fitting that we remember the work of the late Rosa Parks, whose courage and steadfast resolve launched the Montgomery, Alabama bus boycott and sparked the civil rights movement. Both King and Parks dedicated their lives to changing our nation so that all Americans would have the opportunity to experience true freedom and justice.
Last year, I had the honor of taking a trip to Alabama with Representative John Lewis of Georgia, a hero and pioneer of the civil rights movement. We retraced the steps of courageous civil rights activists – many of whom lost their lives in a struggle that changed the face of America. In order to truly honor these heroes, we must recommit ourselves to eradicating racism, intolerance and ignorance.
As we commemorate Dr. King’s birthday, we should all rededicate our lives to reaching the Promised Land and creating the nation that he envisioned more than forty years ago.