Press Releases

For Immediate Release
April 4, 2008   
Contact: Judith Kargbo
(202) 225-3816

 

CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE COMMEMORATES THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF DR. KING’S ASSASINATION

 “Though Our Nation Has Come a Long Way, Dr. King’s Dream Still Has Not Completely Been Accomplished”

 

Memphis, TN – Today, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee commemorates the 40th Anniversary of the assassination of Dr. King at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. She released the following statement in remembrance of Dr. King’s legacy:

 

“On April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated while on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. In remembering the 40th anniversary of King’s assassination, we should take a moment to reflect upon the purpose for which Dr. King and other civil rights pioneers so resiliently fought for.

 

 “Through his philosophical words and fortified stance against racial injustice, Dr. King provided a road map for all to unite and share in the prosperity of this great democracy. While we acknowledge that our nation has come a long way, Dr. King’s dream still has not completely been accomplished.

 

“Understanding that his dream would take time to become a reality, left use with these words of wisdom:

 

‘...And I've looked over, and I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land. So I'm happy tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man.’

 

“Let us continue to march toward the promise land and Dr. King’s vision of true justice, peace, and equality for our nation.

 

“The death of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will never overshadow his life. He was both a dreamer and a man of action.  We cannot sufficiently articulate the feelings of sorrow that are still universally felt; however, we can pay Dr. King and other civil rights pioneers no greater tribute than to carry on the work they believed in and paid the ultimate sacrifice for.

 

 

“Today I hope that Americans across the nation will remember this great man by rededicating their lives to fulfilling his legacy and vision for this nation. While Dr. King’s dream has not completely come into fruition, we recommit ourselves today to make sure that his dream completely becomes a living reality for all the children of this great nation.”

 

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