McCollum Statement on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2023

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) released the following statement today ahead of Monday's observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day:

"Today we celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his work for justice. Dr. King gave his life for this work to create a better, fairer future for all Americans. As our nation continues to battle the dark forces of white supremacy and systemic racism, we must all reflect on how each of us can help advance the work of racial and economic equality and justice for all.

"The urgency that Dr. King inspired for the fight for justice in the 1960s is needed today in 2023. Two years after the January 6 insurrection, threats to our democracy remain. We must continue to work to root out hatred in all its forms, and to strengthen voting rights and access to the ballot box so that all Americans can shape our nation's future. Dr. King helped make the Voting Rights Act a reality, and we must not be complacent in defending the right to vote in free and fair elections.

"As ever, Martin Luther King's words are a poignant reminder: ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.' Let's keep up the fight."

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