January 17, 2011

Senator Manchin's Statement On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Charleston, W.Va. — Senator Joe Manchin today issued the following statement on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Sen. Manchin is currently conducting a two-week “Call for Common Sense” Tour in West Virginia and will today deliver remarks honoring Dr. King  at the “Perspectives on Leadership” luncheon hosted by Vision Shared and Generation West Virginia and at the Morgantown Community Coalition for Social Justice MLK Day Celebration.
 
“Today is a very special day in our nation’s history. It’s a time to remember the difference that we are each capable of making,” Manchin said. “Today we remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose inspiring life helped millions of Americans overcome discrimination and segregation to claim their rightful place in our society.
 
“His movement was about more than civil rights, however. It was about being the type of leader who inspires a community to improve not just themselves, but the entire nation. He taught people to give the best of themselves to make a real difference for others. His example of peaceful and passionate leadership is one we should embrace and emulate, and is particularly relevant in light of the tragic events in Tucson.
 
“His legacy and spirit remain timeless, and West Virginia has been fortunate to have many great African-American leaders follow in his footsteps. Some of these great leaders include people like Carter G. Woodson, an educator, author and the father of Black History Month, and Rev. Leon Sullivan, a noted civil rights leader and the first African-American appointed to the Board of Directors of a Fortune 500 company.
 
“To this day, West Virginia and this great nation have countless strong leaders who in the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. are inspiring hope and making substantial contributions to the betterment of their communities and the country. I thank them all for what they do. These leaders, their passion, their ideas, and their love for West Virginia and the nation truly honors Dr. King’s memory every single day.”