Lee Commemorates the Birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Colin Foard
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Oakland – Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) released the following statement today in honor and remembrance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the holiday that celebrates his birth.
“This weekend we commemorate a man who taught us that violence is never the answer and whose untimely death reminds us all of the importance of that principle, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
“In this moment more than ever, as we reflect on last week’s horrific tragedy in Arizona, we owe it to the victims and survivors of the attack on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, her staff, and supporters, to re-focus our national efforts back to Dr. King’s guiding principle of nonviolence,” said Congresswoman Lee.
“I’ve asked myself the question, what would Dr. King say about this senseless act of violence, and what would he want us to do? I am certain he would warn us that hate speech often leads to violent acts and that we must continue to fight for gun control and gun safety measures. And, I am certain that Dr. King would tell us to revamp our mental health system so that people on the edge receive the mental health services they need to keep them from going over the edge. I am sure Dr. King would remind us that words and images of violence, subtle or overt, communicate messages that can create an environment of hostility and anger.
“Let us remember that we can start working as peacemakers right here in our own communities. We can begin by supporting and educating our young people, by volunteering our time and energy to bolster safer communities, and by working to institute policies that reflect our principles of peace and nonviolence.
“Dr. King knew very well the risks of being a public person, a harbinger of peace, and an inspiration to the masses. And after his death, his words and deeds continue stronger than ever. As we begin a new year, we must not lose sight of Dr. King’s words: ‘In the guilt and confusion confronting our society, violence only adds to the chaos. It deepens the brutality of the oppressor and increases the bitterness of the oppressed. Violence is the antithesis of creativity and wholeness. It destroys community and makes brotherhood impossible.’ In honor of this great man, let us move forward and be willing to undertake the hard work necessary to make Dr. King’s vision of our nation a reality.”
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