Pelosi Statement on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

January 13, 2017

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi today released the following statement on Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Day, which is observed annually as a national day of service on the third Monday of January, in honor of the civil rights leader's birthday on January 15, 1929:

"The Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. dedicated his life to dismantling discrimination, empowering communities, and ensuring that all Americans have equal access to good-paying jobs. As America celebrates Dr. King's birthday, people in small towns and big cities across our nation gather to honor Dr. King's memory by participating in community service events.

"As he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize, Dr. King explained that because of his ‘abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind [he] refuse[d] to accept despair as the final response to the ambiguities of history.' Across America, let us refuse to accept despair by celebrating Dr. King's legacy and practicing service. In Congress, let us honor Dr. King by ensuring that the victories he helped win – for equal rights, for voting rights, for workers' rights – endure.

"House Democrats will stand our ground to continue Dr. King's efforts to ensure justice and equality of opportunity for all, eliminate poverty and create good-paying jobs across America."