Chairman Cleaver’s Statement on the 43rd Anniversary of Dr. King’s Assassination

For Immediate Release: April 4, 2011
Communications Director:  Stephanie L. Young o:  c: 

 

Chairman Cleaver’s Statement on the 43rd Anniversary of Dr. King’s Assassination

“Not only will we have to repent for the sins of bad people; but we also will have to repent for the appalling silence of good people.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

Washington, DC- Chairman Emanuel Cleaver, II released the following statement on the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:

“Forty-three years ago today, Dr. Martin Luther King was shot to death on a balcony at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. I still remember where I was when I heard of Dr. King’s death and I still remember the despair and hopelessness I felt. Together, we have made great strides in making the promise of America the practice; however, to say that we have a long way to go is far beyond the obvious. Dr. King – champion of the non-violent movement— dedicated his life to right the wrongs of our country’s past. He defended the defenseless, spoke for the voiceless, and stood on the side of justice and peace.

“As we pause to remember the horror of this day and what Dr. King died for, I cannot help but think he would not be pleased with the road upon which we are traveling. Governors across the country are stripping workers of their rights, denying funds that will provide our citizens with jobs, and fighting against health care for their constituents.  The Republican Leadership is currently drafting a spending bill that continues to recklessly cut programs that have a tremendous impact on our communities.  We seem to have it backwards.

“While we take time to reflect today, let us remember why we fight and who we protect. I am fighting for his dream.”

-          Chairman Emanuel Cleaver, II