Rep. Ellison Statement on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Statement

Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) released the following statement today ahead of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

"Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed in 1968 while helping sanitation workers in Memphis fight for better wages and the right to join a union. His spirit lives on every time we organize for a more just world. We hear his voice when low-wage workers strike for a higher minimum wage. We hear it when American workers join together and fight for the right to collectively bargain. We hear it when thousands of people march for equality in our nation's cities. Whether they are fast food workers, home health care workers, agricultural workers, we hear the call of Martin Luther King when people stand up to demand fair pay and a voice on the job.

"The quest for justice is not finished. Separate-But-Equal was abolished, but millions still face unfair treatment because of the color of their skin. The Voting Rights Act passed in 1965 outlawed discrimination in voting booths, but many are still denied the right to vote because of restrictive voting laws. It is with Dr. King's voice that we continue to demand justice for Michael Brown, Tamir Rice and Eric Garner. It is with his voice that we declare Black lives matter.

"Martin Luther King, Jr. believed the arc of history bends towards justice. We move the arc when we organize together for equality and fairness."

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