In Honor Of The Southern Christian Leadership Conference -- Hon. Robert J. Wittman

Floor Speech

* Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I am privileged to rise today to honor the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) for their meaningful work and the imprint the organization has made on our nation. The Southern Christian Leadership Conference has a rich history and has played an important role throughout America's Civil Rights Movement.

* The work of the SCLC is based on the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The SCLC ensures that his dream continues to come true across the nation. In Virginia's First Congressional District, Gloucester County is home to Holly Knoll, a true American treasure. Just recently I visited Holly Knoll, which is not only the birthplace of the United Negro College Fund, but is also the site of a giant 400 year-old Oak tree where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. penned his famous ``I Have a Dream Speech.'' This groundbreaking speech was written to spark American drive and passion in order to overcome the struggle of freedom and equality for all of our nation's citizens.

* Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was president of the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA) from 1957 to 1968, a precursor to the SCLC. At its first convention in Montgomery, AL in August 1957, the Southern Leadership Conference became the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The SCLC has perpetuated Dr. King's mission through their advocacy on education, leadership, voter registration, and civil rights issues.

* Dr. King's dream is made a reality by the great efforts of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. The hope for equality for children of all races, creeds, and backgrounds is a struggle which endures and one that the SCLC addresses by their continued work and faithfulness.

* Dr. King challenged the nation on August 28, 1963 when he stated in his speech ``We can never be satisfied.'' He also said, ``My friends, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: `We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal'.''

* Today I am honored to recognize the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the collective efforts of its leadership and volunteers to make certain Dr. King's dream is a reality across the nation and throughout the world.

Source