INDIANAPOLIS – John Zody, Chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party, released the following statement in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Each January, we observe the life of Dr. King as someone who did so much for the common ideal of basic rights for all Americans.

From leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 and the Marches in Selma, Alabama to heading the March on Washington in 1963 – where he famously delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech to millions of Americans – Dr. King fought for the elimination of segregation in our schools, a higher minimum wage and better rights for workers, and the end of racial discrimination across the United States.

But what was truly the most admirable part about Dr. King was his passion to do all of this in a human and nonviolent way – for he believed change could happen by raising your voice, instead of your fist.

While Dr. King was taken from us way too soon – his legacy lives on to this day. Our country has made great strides in equal rights for all. Through electing Barack Obama as our first African-American President and for equality for other communities, Americans continue the fight for the principles of fairness, the “Golden Rule,” and equal opportunity – the principles Dr. King tirelessly advocated for during his life.

For that, Hoosiers should pause and remember the sacrifices Dr. King and so many others made in their fight for freedom for our nation. If it weren’t for strong leaders like Dr. King, America’s fabric may not be as rich as it is today. “

###