Hoyer Speaks at 10th Annual MLK Jr. Breakfast
Congressman Steny Hoyer spoke at the 10th Annual Southern Maryland Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast, held at St. Mary’s College of Maryland.
Congressman Hoyer spoke of the energizing power of Martin Luther King Jr., and the arduous battle for civil rights. Mr. Hoyer compared MLK Jr. to other extraordinary leaders such as Washington, Lincoln and Jefferson, saying that we “celebrate their birthdays, we have a Presidents day, but we don’t come together for breakfast, we don’t come together with a revival to renew our spirit and commitment to the ideals for which they fought and died, but we do for Martin Luther King Jr.”
In his statement in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Congressman Hoyer said, “As we celebrate the victories of the Civil Rights Movement, including the landmark Voting Rights Act that we must fully restore and defend against those who would undermine the fundamental right to vote, let us also rededicate ourselves to the ongoing mission of promoting economic opportunities and protection the most vulnerable in our society from poverty.”
Mr. Hoyer believes that in order for America to achieve its highest purpose, all citizens must be able to overcome hunger, homelessness, joblessness and despair, and that opportunities to overcome these obstacles must be made accessible, regardless of race, sex, language or national origin.
He called for the restoration of emergency unemployment insurance for 1.3 million Americans and the raising of the minimum wage so that families can make ends meet. “In the wealthiest nation on Earth, surely we have the resources to end poverty in our midst by working together as one nation, inspired by Dr. King’s legacy and committed to making his unfinished work our own.”
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