Press Releases

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson issued the following statement on the anniversary of Dr, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination:

"Today we mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Although African Americans and other people of color have made great gains, it is imperative that we honor his legacy by standing up, speaking out and continuing to fight for what is right and fair.

"In the present day, many of the rights won through the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 are being severely limited by voter suppression laws, travel bans, vows to build walls instead of bridges, and many other divisive policies. Dr. King paid the ultimate price as one of the brave soldiers on the front lines in the battle for equality to ensure that everyone has fair and equal access to opportunity. It is up to us to carry that mantle forward.

"Dr. King believed that all Americans, regardless of race, are guaranteed the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as promised by the Declaration of Independence. Fifty years ago, some people thought he was moving too fast. Imagine where we'd be today if he had listened. Thank goodness he didn't."