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CBC Chair Marcia L. Fudge Delivers Remarks at the "Let Freedom Ring" Ceremony and Call to Action

Washington, DC, August 28, 2013
Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) delivered remarks on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the "Let Freedom Ring" Ceremony and Call to Action held on the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington.

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) delivered remarks on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the "Let Freedom Ring” Ceremony and Call to Action held on the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington. Video and the full text of her remarks as prepared for delivery are below:

“Good afternoon.

“I am Marcia Fudge, the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. And I am Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus because Dr. Martin Luther King acted on his dream.

“Dr. King was not just a dreamer, but the voice of a movement.

“In 1963, there were 5 Members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Today, there are 44 African American members of Congress.

“Dr. King dreamed of an America where every individual - no matter their race, nationality or socioeconomic background – would have the opportunity to achieve dreams of their own.

“His dream was a call to action.

“Dr. King advocated for an America where everyone would be afforded their inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; a nation where there would be equal protection under the law; and a country where every person’s right to vote is protected.

“He dreamed of an America where every child has access to quality schools and an education that prepares them for their future.

“And he dreamed that we, as a nation, would walk together on the swift path towards justice.

“Now, it is up to us, the Congress of the United States of America, to work together to pass a jobs bill that ensures decent jobs for all of our citizens.

“Now it is up to us to ensure that we have a criminal justice system that does not value one life more than another.

“Now, it is up to us to make sure that no child goes hungry, to school or to bed.

“In Dr. King’s words, “we cannot and we must not be satisfied with anything less”.

“It is our time to make Dr. King’s dream our reality.

“Dr. King said that 1963 was not an end, but a new beginning.

“Let us make today the start of a new chapter in the history of this country.

“And let us march forward towards justice, together. Thank you.”