Congresswoman Matsui Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at 11th Annual Event in Sacramento

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, January 9, 2010

CONTACT: MARA LEE
(202) 302-3249

CA Today, Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (D-Sacramento) joined local civil rights and justice leaders at the 11th Annual MLK Celebration Dinner, which recognizes the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and community members who have gone above and beyond to serve in his spirit. Rep. Matsui has been a long-time supporter of the annual event in Sacramento, and is helping to extend the celebration on the national level as a Co-Chair of the National Service Caucus. Matsui is currently working on a resolution honoring the MLK Day of Service to be introduced in the House of Representatives, which will be celebrated across the country on January 18, 2010.

Serving as the Honorary Chair, Congresswoman Matsui had the pleasure of addressing the audience, and presenting Velma Stokley-Flournoy with this year's Robert T. Matsui Community Service Award. Rep. Matsui's remarks, as prepared for delivery, are below:

Tonight we are here to celebrate the life of a man who taught our nation about love, compassion, and tolerance; a man who fought so that we all could be free from discrimination and prejudice. Dr. Martin Luther King inspired us to look past our differences. He challenged us to call out hate and injustice wherever and whenever we saw it, and to embrace the common elements that unify all of us. He taught us to love one another for our different backgrounds and histories.

Tonight we honor his work and the work of all those in Sacramento who continue to fight in his spirit to make our community, and our world, a better, more equal place for our children and grandchildren. But unfortunately, despite Dr. King's work and our shared commitment to stamping out injustice, we know all too well that racial and religious violence are still with us. In just the last two months, two local synagogues have been targeted with acts of hate. We must always stand up against these crimes of hatred, and by being here tonight, you are saying no more.

In the midst of our many concerns as we move into a New Year, let us support each other, and reconfirm our commitment, to uplifting the world around us. Let us rejoice that the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crime Prevention Act has been enacted by President Obama and will make a real difference in our communities. Let us continue to work for social justice and stamp out poverty. Let us ensure every America, no matter their background or neighborhood they live in, has access to a quality education, economic opportunity, and affordable health care.

And this year more than ever, let us remember Dr. King's words: Hatred paralyzes life, love releases it. Hatred confuses life, love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life, love illuminates it. Thank you all for your support, for our community tonight, and throughout the coming year.