Congressman Tim Ryan's Statement on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Press Release

Congressman Tim Ryan made the following statement in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day which is observed annually as a national day of service on the third Monday of January in honor of the civil rights leader's birthday on January 15, 1929:

"Today we are called to remember the work and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on what would have been his 91st birthday. Dr. King's life of service and unwavering faith in our nation stand yet still as an example to us all. More than 50 years later, Dr. King's influence is readily visible and his urgent messages of social change are just as relevant today as they were in the 1960s.

"As we look back at the example of his leadership and vision for a society free of economic injustice and discrimination, we are forced to reconcile with the current state of the nation. Too often is inequality and racial discrimination seen in our criminal justice system, in healthcare, housing, education, and in the workforce. Moral leadership has perished from our most trusted institutions. Establishments designed to combat inequality have been jeopardized and an American society that leads the world with integrity and virtue eludes us.

"On the night before his tragic murder, he delivered a powerful sermon articulating the need for morality, the power of nonviolent direct action and harnessing the opportunity "to make America a better nation.'

"So, on this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, let us renew our commitment to completing the work he started and be empowered by his legacy as freedom fighter, advocate for peace, justice, and equality."

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