Refugee Congress Celebrates MLK Day: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
For Immediate Release: Jan. 18, 2021
WASHINGTON—Today Refugee Congress celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year, MLK Day comes after the divide, unrest, racial injustice and pain this nation has endured over the past year.
Ninety-two years after Dr. King’s birth, we continue to be inspired by his life of service and commitment to equality and justice. As a civil rights leader, Dr. King’s vision to uplift our communities and move towards social and economic justice for all Americans resonates deeply with us and motivates our work in renewing our communities.
In the words of Dr. King, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” As former refugees and asylum-seekers, Refugee Congress Delegates and Honorary Delegates have fled injustice and violence. We know firsthand the importance of civil rights and the tragedies that ensue from injustice and inequity. We are profoundly indebted to Dr. King and his unwavering dedication in his fight for justice and work in shaping our nation as a place of sanctuary for refugees, asylees and other vulnerable migrants.
Today and everyday, we pay tribute to Dr. King, and those who fought by his side for the rights of fairness and dignity living — regardless of race or socio-economic status.
“Refugee Congress promises to continue our efforts in order to complete the work Dr. King started in building a better world where solidarity, equity, justice, interconnectedness and shared humanity are at the core,” said Lourena Gboeah, Chair of the Refugee Congress Board of Director. “ As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., recognized the power of service and community, we renew our commitment in making our communities a better place as we start the new year and encourage all to do the same.”
“The fight for justice and equality is everybody’s fight, and Refugee Congress is poised to lead by example. This is how we honor Dr. King’s legacy. This is how we create a more just and welcoming world.” – Nili Sarit Yossinger, National Director.
We honor and pledge to work with those who follow in Dr. King’s footsteps in continuing to do the work of creating a just and equitable nation for all Americans.