Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement today on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which falls on Monday, January 18th:
"Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was one of our nation's greatest civil rights leaders. In the face of hatred, ignorance and intolerance, he chose to embrace love, understanding and equality. He believed that the power of acceptance would always triumph over hatred and division. Through his courage and conviction, Dr. King inspired our nation to make the long journey from the valleys of segregation to the mountaintops of equality."
"Dr. King knew that the work of perfecting our union requires each of us to stand up for what is right, even in the face of tremendous adversity. He once said "when evil men shout ugly words of hatred, good men must commit themselves to the glories of love.' I can think of no greater way to honor Dr. King's legacy than to dismiss those loud voices of hatred or division and instead amplify voices of unity.
"The non-violent revolution waged by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and those who would continue his legacy, was rooted in the fight to end segregation and secure equal voting rights for all Americans. Dr. King and the broader civil rights movement also sought to address the needs of the less fortunate and the middle class. I believe we must preserve Dr. King's legacy in its entirety.
"That's why we must ensure that all Americans have unfettered access to their right to vote. Nearly three years ago, the Supreme Court gutted the heart of the Voting Rights Act. Courageous men and women fought and sacrificed their lives to end discrimination at the polls. Congress must right this wrong and restore the Voting Rights Act to defend the fundamental right of every American to have their voices heard.
"To this day, far too many Americans are limited by social and economic obstacles that seem insurmountable. Dr. King fought to give all Americans a fair shot at the American Dream. We must renew our commitment to addressing the social and economic needs of the middle class and working families. That is why I remain committed to fighting for a higher minimum wage, equal pay for equal work and investments that spur job growth for America's middle class.
"And we must fix our broken criminal justice system that has crippled the lives of millions of Americans and broken up countless families. Dr. King spent his life fighting to bring justice everywhere and I believe that to carry on his legacy, we must make this system fair and proportional.
"This year, Nevadans of all races will gather in Las Vegas for the 34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade. For over three decades the parade has honored Dr. King's message of peace, justice, hope and equality. As we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., my hope is that every American will strive to emulate the integrity with which Dr. King lived his life. In doing so we will triumph over those who seek to divide our nation and together we will create a more perfect union."