Congressional Black Caucus
"The Conscience of Congress since 1969"
www.congressionalblackcaucus.net

(Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Representative Melvin L. Watt (D-N.C.), Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), today issued the following statement on behalf of the CBC commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday:

“Today, as we celebrate the birthday and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., his vision of freedom, opportunity and justice for all Americans is still an elusive dream for African Americans.

“In 2006, the disparities gap between African Americans and other Americans continue to exist in every aspect of life.  Disparities in healthcare, employment security, education and wealth building make it more difficult for African Americans to reach their full potential.

“An astounding 9.3 percent of African Americans are unemployed, compared to 6.0 percent for Hispanics and 4.3 percent for white Americans.  While African Americans comprise approximately 12 percent of the U.S. population, 19.6 percent have no healthcare coverage and are uninsured.  Additionally, a dismal 16.4 percent of African Americans finish college, compared to 31.7 percent of White Americans.  Poverty in our community remains pervasive, which was exposed by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.  This is not the dream Dr. King envisioned.

“Conversely, African Americans must do their part to keep Dr. King’s legacy alive.  We must create our own opportunities, embrace education and recommit ourselves to a value system used by our forefathers.  Only then will Dr. King’s dream be accomplished.

“We should celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King every day.  We should also commemorate the values he taught us through his example -- the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service that defined Dr. King’s character. On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit.”

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