The Hill News

Forty-eight years ago, on Aug. 28, 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to deliver his inspirational "I Have a Dream" speech which paved the way for America to embrace people of all backgrounds, regardless of color, religion, and gender. This Sunday, we will celebrate the unveiling of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial at 1964 Independence Avenue, which honors Dr. King's role in establishing the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 and his fight to make equality in America a reality for everyone.

I am fortunate that I was able to witness the bold struggle to change our country when I marched 54 miles from Selma to Montgomery in 1965. I recall the days when people of color and certain backgrounds were denied entry into restaurants, hotels, bathrooms and even access to drinking fountains. Innocent kids were denied the right to attend schools because of the color of their skin. Yet there were courageous men and w! omen who helped lead our country on the path of equality and justice, including Rosa Parks who refused to sit in the back of the bus and inspired more blacks to stand up for their rights. Upon her death in 2005, Rosa Parks was the first woman to be granted the posthumous honor of lying in state at the Capitol Rotunda. 

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