The Congressional Black Caucus Honors a Civil Rights Legend

Black lawmakers speak on Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy.

Emanuel Cleaver - Missouri Rep. Emanuel Cleaver prevailed against Republican Jacob Turk in their fourth general election contest. In January, Cleaver will pass the gavel to the incoming Congressional Black Caucus chairwoman, Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge, but will undoubtedly continue to serve as one of the CBC's leading voices. (Photo: US Government)

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Rep Emanuel Cleaver (Missouri) - The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial is a reminder of Marian Anderson, when she was denied access to Constitution Hall by the Daughters of the American Revolution, and it is a reminder of days gone by when an assemblage of 300,000 African-Americans began to reshape public opinion after King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. Dr. King is responsible for me being here in Congress in more ways than one.(Photo: Courtesy United States Gov)

Tim Scott\r - “I think it’s too early to draw any conclusions because our frontrunner seems to change every two or three weeks, so we’ll see if he has staying power. That will be the most important ingredient in this primary process,” said Rep. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina).\r(Photo: Courtesy Office of Congressman Tim Scott)

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Rep. Tim Scott (South Carolina) - I think the memorial is a symbol of freedom for all Americans, and for me, Martin Luther King was really the epitome of all things that strive for equality. More important, I think he was a role model for those of us who from an early age looked back on how his life unfolded.(Photo: Courtesy Office of Congressman Tim Scott)

Rep. Maxine Waters (California)\r - "We are going to miss [his] leadership. We are going to miss [his] dedication. We are going to miss this mild mannered man who loved his job, who loved his district. It will be hard to match the work that he did and his success and his achievements. We’re going to ask ourselves, what would Don have done and we’re going to follow the thinking of Don Payne on those issues."\r \rPhoto: Courtesy US House of Representatives/wikicommons)

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Rep Maxine Waters (California) - The King memorial is an important symbol to the world representing the concepts of peace, justice and equality. There is no better moment than now for us to celebrate his legacy and reaffirm our individual and collective commitment to these fundamental ideals.(Photo: Courtesy www.waters.house.gov)

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Rep Allen West (Florida) - The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial means a great deal to me. The neighborhood that I grew up in and my elementary school is right across the street from his tomb and Ebenezer Baptist Church. So part of King’s legacy is a part of my everyday life and the memorial is about remembering that legacy.(Photo: Courtesy www.allen.house.gov)

Rep. Charles Rangel (New York) - Check out what members of the Congressional Black Caucus had to say about honoring Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy."Nearly five decades after marching 54 miles from Selma to Montgomery, I am proud to witness and celebrate the unveiling of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial, which honors Dr. King's role in establishing the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 and his fight to make equality in America a reality for everyone. The memorial serves as an everlasting reminder to our nation to carry on Dr. King's legacy of striving for a better tomorrow and a better America."(Photo: www.rangel.house.gov)

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Rep. Charles Rangel (New York) - Check out what members of the Congressional Black Caucus had to say about honoring Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy."Nearly five decades after marching 54 miles from Selma to Montgomery, I am proud to witness and celebrate the unveiling of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. memorial, which honors Dr. King's role in establishing the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 and his fight to make equality in America a reality for everyone. The memorial serves as an everlasting reminder to our nation to carry on Dr. King's legacy of striving for a better tomorrow and a better America."(Photo: www.rangel.house.gov)

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Rep. Yvette Clarke (New York) - As a proud beneficiary of the civil rights movement, it is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to witness the unveiling of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. This magnificent monument will give me the opportunity to reflect on Dr. King, civil rights leaders and everyday Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is up to all of us to fulfill our obligation to continue the pursuit of Dr. King's dream.(Photo:www.clarke.house.gov)

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Rep. Yvette Clarke (New York) - As a proud beneficiary of the civil rights movement, it is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to witness the unveiling of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. This magnificent monument will give me the opportunity to reflect on Dr. King, civil rights leaders and everyday Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice. It is up to all of us to fulfill our obligation to continue the pursuit of Dr. King's dream.(Photo:www.clarke.house.gov)

Rep. Laura Richardson (California) - When we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, we are celebrating the best of America.  As a result of Dr. King's vision, barriers were broken and opportunities have been created.  From the bus boycotts in Birmingham to the marches across the Edmund Pettis Bridge in my hometown of Selma, it was his courage that forged the path for me to be elected Alabama's first African-American congresswoman, and for that I am eternally grateful.(Photo: www.sewell.house.gov)

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Rep. Laura Richardson (California) - When we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, we are celebrating the best of America.  As a result of Dr. King's vision, barriers were broken and opportunities have been created.  From the bus boycotts in Birmingham to the marches across the Edmund Pettis Bridge in my hometown of Selma, it was his courage that forged the path for me to be elected Alabama's first African-American congresswoman, and for that I am eternally grateful.(Photo: www.sewell.house.gov)

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (Texas) - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the architect of the greatest social and moral movement of our times. As a student worker in the SCLC movement, I was able to see firsthand the careful and meticulous building, block by block, of the lives of the most vulnerable and the un-empowered. This monument will serve as a testament to the enduring legacy left to all of us by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His words and deeds continue to dictate the moral roadmap that all people, regardless of race, color or creed, can follow to fill a generation of people with hope and success. Let us accept the challenge of Dr. King's words to do good and to allow his greatness to live through each and every one of us as a lasting gift to America and the world.(Photo: www.jacksonlee.house.gov)

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Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (Texas) - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the architect of the greatest social and moral movement of our times. As a student worker in the SCLC movement, I was able to see firsthand the careful and meticulous building, block by block, of the lives of the most vulnerable and the un-empowered. This monument will serve as a testament to the enduring legacy left to all of us by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His words and deeds continue to dictate the moral roadmap that all people, regardless of race, color or creed, can follow to fill a generation of people with hope and success. Let us accept the challenge of Dr. King's words to do good and to allow his greatness to live through each and every one of us as a lasting gift to America and the world.(Photo: www.jacksonlee.house.gov)

Rep. Sanford Bishop (Georgia) - "Donald was a great man. We have lost him. The family has lost a great man. We feel your pain, but the joy we share because we knew him will sustain us because we were blessed to know, love, be a part and to share life, as you did, with this great, great man." (Photo: Courtesy US House of Representatives/wikicommons)

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Rep. Sanford Bishop (Georgia) - The overarching message of this memorial to current generations and generations yet unborn should be that Dr. King's achievements helped make our union a more perfect union. Moreover, his achievements are yet working to ensure the promise of our constitution to protect the rights of all Americans. Finally, it is important that this memorial's ultimate impact be to help citizens of the world better understand and embrace the goal of freedom and equality for all mankind.(Photo: www.bishop.house.gov)

Rep. Robert Scott (Virginia) - The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, with its prominent placement on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., will serve as a constant reminder to America to remember and honor its past and not repeat its mistakes. In addition, the memorial will ensure that generations to come will never forget the legacy of Dr. King and the victories achieved by the civil rights movement.(Photo: www.bobbyscott.house.gov)

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Rep. Robert Scott (Virginia) - The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, with its prominent placement on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., will serve as a constant reminder to America to remember and honor its past and not repeat its mistakes. In addition, the memorial will ensure that generations to come will never forget the legacy of Dr. King and the victories achieved by the civil rights movement.(Photo: www.bobbyscott.house.gov)

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Marcia Fudge - Ohio Rep. Marcia Fudge, who won re-election to her third full term in Congress, will become the Congressional Black Caucus' newest chairperson in January. Fudge says she will focus on health care, unemployment and poverty during her tenure. (Photo: US Government)

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Rep. Marcia Fudge (Ohio) - The memorial gives us a reason to be reminded of "the fierce urgency of now." In Washington, it's hard to get agreement on anything, but we can agree that Dr. King was a luminary, and that "now is the time to make real the promises of democracy." I am proud to be saluting him on such a grand stage.(Photo: www.fudge.house.gov)

John Lewis (Georgia) - “Any American can be elected to public office, but not everyone can serve with dignity and great respect. Donald Payne, my friend, my brother, enjoyed the admiration of his colleagues because he led by example, and through quiet, determined diplomacy he accomplished a great deal.”(Photo: Courtesy US House of Representatives/wikicommons)

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Rep. John Lewis (Georgia) - It is so fitting and appropriate that the Martin Luther King Memorial will be located between two great presidents, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln. Martin Luther King Jr. liberated not just a people, but a nation. The memorial will inspire a generation yet unborn. It will inspire people to stand up for what is right, fair and just.(Photo: www.johnlewis.house.gov)

Rep. John Conyers (Michigan) - When we honor Dr. King, we must recognize that his message extended beyond the 'I Have a Dream' speech.  He fought for jobs, justice and peace for all people.  He took on the North's dehumanizing forms of segregation, and marched with garbage collectors, autoworkers, Teamsters and other organized labor groups to demand fair pay and dignity for workers of all races.(Photo: www.conyers.house.gov)

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Rep. John Conyers (Michigan) - When we honor Dr. King, we must recognize that his message extended beyond the 'I Have a Dream' speech.  He fought for jobs, justice and peace for all people.  He took on the North's dehumanizing forms of segregation, and marched with garbage collectors, autoworkers, Teamsters and other organized labor groups to demand fair pay and dignity for workers of all races.(Photo: www.conyers.house.gov)

Rep. Gwen Moore (Wisconsin) - This memorial is extremely important not only to remind us of the past struggle for civil and human rights, but to also keep us on course to securing these rights. This is crucial because even as we dedicate this memorial -- this touch stone, this moral compass -- these rights are under siege and under threat.(Photo: www.gwenmoore.house.gov)

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Rep. Gwen Moore (Wisconsin) - This memorial is extremely important not only to remind us of the past struggle for civil and human rights, but to also keep us on course to securing these rights. This is crucial because even as we dedicate this memorial -- this touch stone, this moral compass -- these rights are under siege and under threat.(Photo: www.gwenmoore.house.gov)

G.K. Butterfield - North Carolina Rep. G.K. Butterfield, newly elected first vice chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, handily won a fifth term in a revamped district. He is often the busiest lawmaker on the House floor, crisscrossing the aisle to help whip up support for various issues and bills. (Photo: US Government)

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Rep. G.K. Butterfield (North Carolina) - Dr. Martin Luther King was an inspirational leader who put into words the deep inner feelings of African-Americans. The memorial will honor the greatness of this giant and remind the world that, when confronted, America has the ability to deliver a fair opportunity to enjoy the American dream.(Photo: www.butterfield.house.gov)

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Rep. Elijah Cummings (Maryland) - Even as we applaud the dedication of Dr. King's memorial, we are reminded that his ultimate memorial will always rest in the hearts and minds of the American people. As we dedicate ourselves to treat each other with dignity, as we seek to be great through service to others and as we take action to exercise the full measure of our citizenship, then, we shall truly and fully honor King's legacy to us all.(Photo: www.cummings.house.gov)

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Rep. Elijah Cummings (Maryland) - Even as we applaud the dedication of Dr. King's memorial, we are reminded that his ultimate memorial will always rest in the hearts and minds of the American people. As we dedicate ourselves to treat each other with dignity, as we seek to be great through service to others and as we take action to exercise the full measure of our citizenship, then, we shall truly and fully honor King's legacy to us all.(Photo: www.cummings.house.gov)

Rep. Donna Edwards (Maryland) - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. leaves a legacy that will be remembered for generations as the standard for humility and commitment to social justice. With the unveiling of the King Memorial, we mark as a nation his impact and the strength and lasting truth of his service and his message. I am grateful that this memorial will serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of promoting equality and social justice for generations to come.(Photo: www.donnaedwards.house.gov)

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Rep. Donna Edwards (Maryland) - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. leaves a legacy that will be remembered for generations as the standard for humility and commitment to social justice. With the unveiling of the King Memorial, we mark as a nation his impact and the strength and lasting truth of his service and his message. I am grateful that this memorial will serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of promoting equality and social justice for generations to come.(Photo: www.donnaedwards.house.gov)

Chaka Fattah - Pennsylvania Rep. Chaka Fattah sits on the all-important Appropriations Committee — the panel that decides how much money each federal agency should get each year. He is, however, also an aggressive advocate for education and may also have an interest in foreign policy as evidenced by his open letter to the president asking him to declassify and release video images related to the attacks on the U.S. consulate in Libya. (Photo: US Government)

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Rep. Chaka Fattah (Pennsylvania) - The Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial is located just a few steps from the Lincoln Memorial, where King articulated his Dream for America exactly 48 years earlier. The memorial is far more than a tribute to an individual; it is a monument to the millions of heroes, famous and unsung, of all races, backgrounds and faiths, who have participated in our great -- and in many respects unfinished -- civil rights movement. This is a monument to all of those Americans, guided by and benefiting from the extraordinary leadership of King, who have been unwilling to accept the status quo.(Photo: www.fattah.house.gov)

Rep. Bobby Rush (Illinois) - Although the memorial is finished, Dr. King's life's work is not. There is still much to be done to transform this country into a nation where those who are marginalized and living on the edges of society still have a chance to reach their full potential. The memorial is a strong reminder of the work that is yet to be done.(Photo: www.rush.house.gov)

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Rep. Bobby Rush (Illinois) - Although the memorial is finished, Dr. King's life's work is not. There is still much to be done to transform this country into a nation where those who are marginalized and living on the edges of society still have a chance to reach their full potential. The memorial is a strong reminder of the work that is yet to be done.(Photo: www.rush.house.gov)

Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (Texas) - Dr. King challenged all of us, from the impoverished and disenfranchised underclass to the politically and economically endowed, to courageously fight and secure civil liberties for all. As King is honored in his rightful place on our National Mall, the memorial will reflect our nation's heritage and all of the causes championed by him: equality, justice and peace among the American people.(Photo: ebjohnson.house.gov)

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Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (Texas) - Dr. King challenged all of us, from the impoverished and disenfranchised underclass to the politically and economically endowed, to courageously fight and secure civil liberties for all. As King is honored in his rightful place on our National Mall, the memorial will reflect our nation's heritage and all of the causes championed by him: equality, justice and peace among the American people.(Photo: ebjohnson.house.gov)

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Rep. Bennie Thompson (Mississippi) - Martin Luther King Jr. represents to me the profound sacrifice that he and many of his generation made to further the cause of civil rights across the globe. It is my hope that this memorial will serve as a shining beacon to the progress we have made in the past 50 years--and will continue to teach the next generation to further his dream and celebrate his life.(Photo: www.benniethompson.house.gov)

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Rep. Bennie Thompson (Mississippi) - Martin Luther King Jr. represents to me the profound sacrifice that he and many of his generation made to further the cause of civil rights across the globe. It is my hope that this memorial will serve as a shining beacon to the progress we have made in the past 50 years--and will continue to teach the next generation to further his dream and celebrate his life.(Photo: www.benniethompson.house.gov)

Photo By Photo: www.benniethompson.house.gov

Rep. Andre Carson (Indiana) - While we have witnessed incredible social progress in the decades since Dr. King's death, we have also seen an unfortunate resurgence of divisiveness and economic inequality. It is my hope that the memorial will bring renewed attention to his clarion call for continuous, positive action.(Photo: carson.house.gov)

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Rep. Andre Carson (Indiana) - While we have witnessed incredible social progress in the decades since Dr. King's death, we have also seen an unfortunate resurgence of divisiveness and economic inequality. It is my hope that the memorial will bring renewed attention to his clarion call for continuous, positive action.(Photo: carson.house.gov)

Rep. Melvin Watt (North Carolina) - The Martin Luther King Jr. memorial for me is a monument to our historic struggle to get where we are today, as well as a reminder of the work that remains for us today and in the future.(Photo: www.watt.house.gov)

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Rep. Melvin Watt (North Carolina) - The Martin Luther King Jr. memorial for me is a monument to our historic struggle to get where we are today, as well as a reminder of the work that remains for us today and in the future.(Photo: www.watt.house.gov)

Rep. Karen Bass (California) - Dr. Martin Luther King changed the face of the nation, and now he will change the face of the National Mall. Dr. King didn't only preach; he practiced. And we learned the meaning of social justice and civil liberties because of him.(Photo: karenbass.house.gov)

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Rep. Karen Bass (California) - Dr. Martin Luther King changed the face of the nation, and now he will change the face of the National Mall. Dr. King didn't only preach; he practiced. And we learned the meaning of social justice and civil liberties because of him.(Photo: karenbass.house.gov)

Rep. Edolphus Towns (New York) - This is a deserving tribute to a great man who toiled on behalf of all Americans regardless of race, nationality or color. I am pleased that this commemorative place and statue will preserve in history the memory of a righteous man who stirred the conscience of our great nation. I will always remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his commitment to peace and for getting people to work together, which has impacted my service by inspiring me to build coalitions and work with others.(Photo: www.towns.house.gov)

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Rep. Edolphus Towns (New York) - This is a deserving tribute to a great man who toiled on behalf of all Americans regardless of race, nationality or color. I am pleased that this commemorative place and statue will preserve in history the memory of a righteous man who stirred the conscience of our great nation. I will always remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his commitment to peace and for getting people to work together, which has impacted my service by inspiring me to build coalitions and work with others.(Photo: www.towns.house.gov)

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Rep. Donald M. Payne (New Jersey) - We commemorate the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by unveiling his national memorial. This historic occasion honors Dr. King's unyielding faith in the potential of all people to rise above racism, injustice and partisanship to achieve our common destiny. Let us continue his great legacy by joining forces to solve the critical issues of our day.(Photo: www.payne.house.gov)

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Rep. Donald M. Payne (New Jersey) - We commemorate the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by unveiling his national memorial. This historic occasion honors Dr. King's unyielding faith in the potential of all people to rise above racism, injustice and partisanship to achieve our common destiny. Let us continue his great legacy by joining forces to solve the critical issues of our day.(Photo: www.payne.house.gov)

Rep. Danny Davis (Illinois) - As a young man still formulating a personal response to great inequities and injustices I observed growing up in rural Arkansas, the words of Dr. King's 1963 "Letter From a Birmingham Jail" and his actions associated with that letter burned themselves into my mind and became a centerpiece of my world outlook and a model for my own activism. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," he wrote. "We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."(Photo: www.davis.house.gov)

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Rep. Danny Davis (Illinois) - As a young man still formulating a personal response to great inequities and injustices I observed growing up in rural Arkansas, the words of Dr. King's 1963 "Letter From a Birmingham Jail" and his actions associated with that letter burned themselves into my mind and became a centerpiece of my world outlook and a model for my own activism. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," he wrote. "We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."(Photo: www.davis.house.gov)

Rep. Hansen Clarke (Michigan) - With his charismatic voice, visionary leadership and indefatigable spirit, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. symbolized what I believe is most central to our national character: hope. As a fellow member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., I am so moved to see his monument unveiled in our nation's capital.(Photo: www.hansenclarke.house.gov)

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Rep. Hansen Clarke (Michigan) - With his charismatic voice, visionary leadership and indefatigable spirit, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. symbolized what I believe is most central to our national character: hope. As a fellow member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., I am so moved to see his monument unveiled in our nation's capital.(Photo: www.hansenclarke.house.gov)

Rep. Gregory Meeks (New York) - Dr. King's notion that "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" motivated me to pursue a career in law, and later as an elected official, to dedicate my life to bringing justice and equal opportunity to all people. As an elected official I am often guided by Dr. King's words that call us to do what is right rather than what is safe, politic or popular because as he so eloquently said, "there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because one's conscience tells one that it is right."(Photo: www.house.gov/meeks)

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Rep. Gregory Meeks (New York) - Dr. King's notion that "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" motivated me to pursue a career in law, and later as an elected official, to dedicate my life to bringing justice and equal opportunity to all people. As an elected official I am often guided by Dr. King's words that call us to do what is right rather than what is safe, politic or popular because as he so eloquently said, "there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because one's conscience tells one that it is right."(Photo: www.house.gov/meeks)

Rep. Keith Ellison (Minnesota) - The King Memorial reminds me of the hope that America represents. This country was founded on the promise of "liberty and justice for all," but for many years that promise remained unrealized. Yet, Dr. King lived the dream of hope, principle and sacrifice. And because of him we are closer to the promise of America. (Photo: www.ellison.house.gov)

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Rep. Keith Ellison (Minnesota) - The King Memorial reminds me of the hope that America represents. This country was founded on the promise of "liberty and justice for all," but for many years that promise remained unrealized. Yet, Dr. King lived the dream of hope, principle and sacrifice. And because of him we are closer to the promise of America. (Photo: www.ellison.house.gov)

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Hank Johnson\r - “I think he’s the perfect opponent to face President Obama because he would add an entertaining flair to what would be otherwise be a glib policy debate. We need a glib policy debate, but recognize that from an entertainment value standpoint, Gingrich is made to order,” said Rep. Hank Johnson (D-Georgia). “His past leadership in the House helped cause Congress’s dysfunction and I think he’d be a divisive and polarizing president.”\r\r(Photo: Courtesy Office of Hank Johnson)

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Rep. Hank Johnson (Georgia) - On the 48th anniversary of the March on Washington and his historic "I Have a Dream" speech, the dedication will help bring King's noble words and dreams to life. He gave his life in the struggle against prejudice and for equality; against hatred and for brotherhood; against division and for non-violence. He offered us a message of peace and inspired us to respect our neighbors not as members of a given race, but as fellow human beings.(Photo: www.hankjohnson.house.gov)

Rep. Alcee Hastings (Florida) - Although I was not there the day that Dr. King delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech on the National Mall, the impact of his message still resonated in me as it did in persons of color all across this nation. Our country has changed much since that historic event, but unfortunately we still find ourselves struggling for equality and justice. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial serves as a reminder to us all that we have the ability to make a difference in this world and that this fight is not yet over.(Photo: www.alceehastings.house.gov)

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Rep. Alcee Hastings (Florida) - Although I was not there the day that Dr. King delivered his historic "I Have a Dream" speech on the National Mall, the impact of his message still resonated in me as it did in persons of color all across this nation. Our country has changed much since that historic event, but unfortunately we still find ourselves struggling for equality and justice. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial serves as a reminder to us all that we have the ability to make a difference in this world and that this fight is not yet over.(Photo: www.alceehastings.house.gov)

William Lacy Clay - “He’s very good on his feet and has been able to show command of the issues in the debates. We are licking our chops to see if he gets the nomination because we don’t think he can beat Obama,” said Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-Missouri).\r(Photo: MCT/HO/Landov)

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Rep. William Lacy Clay (Missouri) - The King Memorial is the only federal monument along the Mall that does not commemorate a U.S. president or a war. And that may just be God's way of reminding us what Dr. King was really all about: Not the power of armies or political leaders, but the power of love, non-violence, brotherhood and the relentless pursuit of justice. The power of love as the only antidote to hate; the power of the truth in the face of ignorance and intolerance; and the power that average Americans still have when we stand up and demand that our country must deliver on all the promises that our Constitution makes to each of us.(Photo:www.lacyclay.house.gov)

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (Illinois) - When he delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech, he was factoring in 246 years of slavery and another 98 years of legal segregation and ongoing discrimination. Most thought he was confronted with two limited "change" options: the bloody and ineffective choice of violence or the weak and ineffective choice of gradualism and non-confrontation. He gave us a third path -- a life of non-violent active resistance and a willingness to endure unearned suffering.(Photo: www.jackson.house.gov)

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Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (Illinois) - When he delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech, he was factoring in 246 years of slavery and another 98 years of legal segregation and ongoing discrimination. Most thought he was confronted with two limited "change" options: the bloody and ineffective choice of violence or the weak and ineffective choice of gradualism and non-confrontation. He gave us a third path -- a life of non-violent active resistance and a willingness to endure unearned suffering.(Photo: www.jackson.house.gov)

Rep. Cedric Richmond (Louisiana) - The monument reminds me that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s courage, vision and love paved the way for me. Fighting with those same qualities will pave the way for others.(Photo: www.cedricrichmond.com)

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Rep. Cedric Richmond (Louisiana) - The monument reminds me that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s courage, vision and love paved the way for me. Fighting with those same qualities will pave the way for others.(Photo: www.cedricrichmond.com)

Rep. Laura Richardson (California) - Like so many Americans, Dr. King's message and works have and continue to inspire me throughout my life. Marking his life on the National Mall will remind generations of the enormity of King's accomplishments and his impact on our nation, as well as the work that still needs to be done. As Americans, we all have a responsibility to "keep the dream alive" and be the stewards of change because as Dr. King said, "Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."(Photo: www.richardson.house.gov/)

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Rep. Laura Richardson (California) - Like so many Americans, Dr. King's message and works have and continue to inspire me throughout my life. Marking his life on the National Mall will remind generations of the enormity of King's accomplishments and his impact on our nation, as well as the work that still needs to be done. As Americans, we all have a responsibility to "keep the dream alive" and be the stewards of change because as Dr. King said, "Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."(Photo: www.richardson.house.gov/)