Rep. Adriano Espaillat Recognizes Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

NEW YORK, NY – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life and legacy:

"As we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we pause today in observance of his accomplishments in the fight for racial equality, equity and justice," said Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). "Dr. King demonstrated tremendous leadership during the civil rights movement and was the driving force behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March from Selma to Montgomery, the March on Washington, the Voting Rights Act, fair housing, the Freedom Rides, and numerous other civil rights engagements throughout the country.

"Dr. King played a pivotal role in ending racial segregation and changing the dialogue of race relations in America. His leadership and legacy paved the way for social justice movements including today's engagement that continues to impact the lives of minorities, immigrants, and vulnerable communities around the nation.

"More than 50 years after his death, Dr. King's dream is still deferred. Whereas, we have made progress in many areas of society – events such as the massacre at Mother Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, the alt-right protests in Charlottesville and Fort Tryon park in Inwood, the killing of unarmed black boys and men, the separation of immigrant children from their families, the proposed wall along the southern border, and refusal of some officials to denounce white supremacy – serve as further proof that our work must continue to ensure fairness and end racism, hate, and bigotry.

"Where there is injustice, there is no peace, and we cannot rest until all individuals, regardless of their race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or nation of birth can have the opportunity to achieve in America and fully realize Dr. King's dream once and for all."

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First elected to Congress in 2016, Rep. Adriano Espaillat is serving his second term in Congress where he serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Education and Labor. He is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) and serves in a leadership role as CHC Whip. He is also chairman of the CHC Task Force for Transportation, Infrastructure and Housing. Rep. Espaillat's Congressional District includes Harlem, East Harlem, northern Manhattan and the north-west Bronx. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at /.

Media inquiries: Candace Randle Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov