Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: A Life of Consequential Purpose And Enduring Inspiration

Statement

Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the greatest leaders in the history of our country, achieving consequential progress for our nation and for humanity, inspiring hope, fighting for desperately needed equality and justice, and leaving a legacy of service and sacrifice that should motivate us all today and for generations to come.

He said "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Dr. King encouraged fierce but peaceful protest of injustice, and acted selflessly in the fight against hate and intolerance. His message remains as relevant today as it did a half century ago. We must not only reflect on Dr. King's message of unity and respect, but also recommit ourselves to doing our part.

Challenges in America remain today, but so do solutions, community, and common purpose.

Last year, I came together with Representatives Brenda Lawrence, civil rights icon John Lewis, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Will Hurd to celebrate the relationship between the Jewish and African American communities and renew our commitment to fighting together for the betterment of all Americans with the establishment of the Black-Jewish Caucus.

For generations, the Jewish and African American communities have stood together, helping each other overcome their greatest challenges and triumph in the face of sweeping discrimination, all while securing a brighter future for all of our children.

In May 1945, the 761st Tank Battalion, an all-African American tank unit, participated in the liberation of Gunskirchen. In fact, by the end of the war, they had fought their way further east than nearly every other unit from the United States, receiving 391 decorations for heroism, only to return to their own country as second class citizens.

During their fight for equality, Jews marching alongside the leaders of the civil rights movement, some giving their lives in the fight against injustice.

Our work is far from finished, and we must continue to carry on Dr. King's legacy by finding common ground. It is clear our communities are still the target of hate and discrimination, and we will not stand idly by.

We continue to be challenged and inspired by Dr. King's example of service over self and the leaders in our communities who carry on his legacy.

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