Delgado Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday on House Floor

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) spoke on the House floor to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in advance of the upcoming MLK Day of Service on January 20, 2020. Below is a video and transcript of his remarks.

Click here to watch Rep. Delgado’s full remarks.

“Thank you. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of my heroes, Doctor Martin Luther King Junior, who was born on this day, ninety-one years ago.  Next Monday, the nation will pay tribute to this incredible man, and his life, as well as his enduring legacy – a legacy rooted in unconditional love.

“In these difficult and divided times, plagued by the rise of hate, I can’t think of a better legacy to reflect upon as we embark upon this year. The road ahead will be difficult for our nation, but I’m encouraged by, and find great hope in the following words once spoke by Dr. King:

“‘We can no longer afford to worship the god of hate or bow before the altar of retaliation. The oceans of history are made turbulent by the ever-rising tides of hate. History is cluttered with the wreckage of nations and individuals that pursued this self-defeating path of hate.  Love is the ultimate force that makes for the saving choice of life and good against the damning choice of death and evil. Therefore, the first hope in our inventory must be the hope that love is going to have the last word.’

“I yield back.”