WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) released the following statement in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, which falls on Monday, January 20.
“Today, in the same building where lawmakers passed major civil rights legislation borne out of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s work — the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968 — the U.S. Capitol will host the second inauguration of a president who incited violent rioters to stop the certification of a free and fair election and subvert the will of the American people.
“Many New Mexicans and Americans are understandably anxious about what lies ahead of us in these next several years. I share many of those same concerns. But as we pause today to honor Dr. King’s life and legacy, we should draw from his infinite lessons of resilience, hope, and patriotism.
“Dr. King reminded us that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” Change takes a long time, but it does happen if we work for it. None of us can lose hope in the promise of America — rooted in freedom, justice, and equality for all people.
“Hard-won civil rights victories required determined direct action from a broad coalition of courageous Americans. I encourage all New Mexicans to use their voices to confront injustice and work to protect our most fundamental freedoms. The road ahead will be difficult, but it will not be impossible.”
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