For Immediate Release
August 28, 2020

Media Contact:
Angela Allmond, Communications Director
Oklahoma Democratic Party
angela@okdemocrats.org

Celebrating “I Have a Dream” Speech Anniversary

OKLAHOMA CITY – Held at one of the largest civil rights demonstrations in U.S. history, the speech known as “I Have a Dream” was delivered 57 years ago at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and transformed a nation. Less than a year later, the 1964 Civil Rights Act was signed into law despite southern Congressional opposition and during a time of social upheaval.

“Martin Luther King Jr’s speech changed attitudes and revolutionized a movement that brought racial injustice to the forefront,” stated Alicia Andrews, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairwoman. “Dr. King’s speech is as important today as it was when he stood before hundreds of thousands of people on those steps and spoke on the importance of equality and justice. Today we commemorate his dream.

“The continued struggles we face today have brought social injustice to the forefront again with the Black Lives Matter movement. During our current time of social upheaval, we must remind ourselves to look back on the journey for equality and justice. Our job is not done, and every human being holds a responsibility to ensure such equality.

“Dr. King’s words inspired a generation. Nearly six decades later, a new generation has emerged. ‘I can’t breathe’ and ‘Hands up, don’t shoot’ have become national cries for justice reform. We must keep the dream alive. We must continue our work for human dignity for everyone in honor of Dr. King. Still, more importantly, for Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and countless others, we have lost to injustice,” concluded Andrews.

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For more information about the Oklahoma Democratic Party, visit the party website at okdemocrats.org, or call party headquarters at 405-427-3366.