Peters Statement Ahead of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

DETROIT, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) today released a video in advance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

“As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. King this MLK Day, it is critical that we recognize that this year’s celebrations look and feel different than any other in recent memory,” said Senator Peters. “While the challenges we’re working to overcome have already taken too heavy a toll on our communities, the MLK holiday can serve as a reminder that even when confronting ‘a mountain of despair’ we can always work together to unearth a ‘stone of hope.’”

Click here for video of his remarks and below is the text as prepared for delivery:

“As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. King this MLK Day, it is critical that we recognize that this year’s celebrations look and feel different than any other in recent memory. While the challenges we’re working to overcome have already taken too heavy a toll on our communities, the MLK holiday can serve as a reminder that even when confronting ‘a mountain of despair’ we can always work together to unearth a ‘stone of hope.’

“That stone of hope, and the lessons in Dr. King’s teachings, are vital today more than ever. We continue to battle this deadly virus that has not only disrupted our daily lives, but has taken the lives our friends, neighbors and loved ones.

“This pandemic has also exposed how we still have much to do in the fight for justice and righteousness. The racial disparities and health inequities that this virus shows that we must never give up fighting so that everyone, no matter who you are or where you live, has quality, affordable health care and opportunities to succeed.

“To win this fight for freedom, for equality and for justice in our country and around the world, we must have faith. I’ve seen how we’ve been able to overcome these challenges together. Dr. King once said: ‘Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.’ And as we address this pandemic and the challenges facing our state and country, we will do so by taking that first step in faith.”

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