Hello Everyone,
Evelyn here,
Below is the first of many news briefs to come out the office of our new Attorney General, Bill McCollum. In this new brief General McCollum speaks about the late civil rights’ leader, Dr. Martin Lither King, who was killed in Atlanta in 1968 for his beliefs and monumental efforts to gain equal right for all minorities during the civil rights movements in the mid 50’s and late 60’s. Although Dr. King taught met with a violent death for his efforts, he taught many the people that much could be gained through now-violence marches
Million of people across the nation celebrate Dr. Martin Lither King Day, and with this remembrance of his accomplishments in opening the doors to civil rights, may the young of this time produce a leader who will in the face of some prevailing injustice secure minorities rights and freedoms for all times.
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An Attorney Attorney’s News Brief
Friday, January 12, 2007
Message from Attorney General Bill McCollum
On Monday, we will honor one of our country's greatest civil rights leaders - the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Although his time on earth abruptly ended, his legacy continues on, providing us with daily reminders of the dreams and opportunities he so passionately championed on behalf of countless Americans.
While some of the egregious injustices present during Dr. King's life have been eliminated, our country continues the battle for equality and justice every day. Just two years ago, this office pursued a case in which a hotel owner posted a sign preventing African American guests from using the hotel pool. While the Attorney General’s Office successfully stopped that particularly deplorable behavior, we must always remain diligent in our efforts to protect the rights of all Americans, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Efforts like these were Dr. King's top priorities and should be ours as well.
To that end, our message has not changed: we pledge to continue to work for better opportunities and to take whatever steps necessary to eliminate any remaining injustices. And while much has been accomplished, there is still much to do.
In the next few weeks, I will announce my appointee to the Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys. This council, created by the state Legislature, will study conditions that affect many of our citizens. It will examine homicide rates, arrest and incarceration rates, poverty, violence, drug abuse, death rates, lower annual income levels, school performance in all grade levels and health issues.
It is my vision that we can work together to identify and combat these conditions, whether by changes to our laws or changes to our society. I take very seriously my charge to support the council’s members with their important task.
Dr. King was convinced that if Americans would work together, hearts and minds could be changed. He stood for equality and he regularly implored those around him to join him in the fight for peace and freedom.
As your Attorney General, I give you my assurance that our office will not shirk its responsibilities to protect civil rights and defend our citizens from discrimination.
Dr. King gave his life for equality, justice and freedom. As we honor his memory on what would have been his 78th birthday, let us never forget his legacy, his dreams and his hopes for a better America.
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Evelyn Out.
