(OTTAWA) - Today, the Green Party honours the memory and inspiration of Martin Luther King Jr. The day is observed on the 3rd of every January.
“Today, we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As a child, I was deeply influenced by him. The memory of his murder is fresh in my mind as I will never forget my 13 year old self sobbing uncontrollably when the news broke. His message of non-violence, his use of civil disobedience in the face of threats and violence, made him our continent's Gandhi,” said Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada and Member of Parliament for Saanich – Gulf Islands. "While inter-racial conflict continues, while racism persists, his work is not done. He called for an end to poverty and for a guaranteed livable income. Greens are committed to that goal."
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was an American pastor and a leader of the African American Civil Rights Movement. Dr. King worked to extend civil rights towards minority groups living in the United States.
In 1963, he helped organize the March on Washington, where he delivered his famous speech entitled ‘I Have a Dream’. He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee.
“Dr. King Jr. taught us that if we wanted to build a better world, we must answer hatred and intolerance with love,” concluded Ms. May. “We continue to be inspired by his teachings and example.”
-30-
For additional information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Julian Morelli
Director of Communications
Green Party of Canada
cell: (613) 614 4916
office: (613) 562 4916 (224)
[email protected]