Senator Scott Reflects on MLK’s Legacy 50 Years Later

Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) released the following statement in honor of the 50^th anniversary of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.’s death:  

“Today let us rejoice and celebrate the amazing legacy of a giant among men, a trailblazer who devoted his life to spreading the true meaning of unity, peace, and the relentless pursuit of brighter days. Dr. King helped to show us that the insurmountable power of love has the ability to conquer all evil.  

Fifty years after his death, his words continue to inspire us to push forward and defy all obstacles… ‘If you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl, but by all means, keep moving.’ Dr. King’s life changed the futures of generations upon generations of Americans. It would be impossible to put into words the depth of the impact he had and continues to have on so many people, so I will leave you with a story. My grandfather was born in 1921 in South Carolina, a very different time for race relations in our country. He left school in the 3^rd grade to pick cotton, was forced to use a different water fountain, and had to use a certain side of the street. He lived through Dr. King’s remarkable rise and personally saw the incredible influence he had on spreading equality. In one generation, our family went from cotton to Congress. My family’s story is a reflection of Dr. King’s determination and shows the progress he helped achieve.  

While there is still much work to do, we live in a far different place from the 1960’s and that is something we should celebrate and rejoice. Dr. King should inspire us all and give us peace in knowing that the ‘promised land’ is possible and we will get there together as the American family.”