Dear John,

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a civil rights icon who lived in service to others.

Dr. King led movements, supported the enactment of laws, and forever changed the nation as we know it. He stood faithful to his principles that men and women everywhere, regardless of color or creed, are equal members of the human family.

Dr. King was a champion for some of the most significant legislation of our time, such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which banned racial discrimination in voting practices, and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which outlawed discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. 

Unfortunately, the vision of Dr. King has not been entirely fulfilled. In this country, communities still face discrimination, including at the ballot box. As your Congresswoman, I am pleased to be a cosponsor of the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, a bill to protect the right to vote and safeguard our democracy by preventing restrictive, discriminatory voting laws from taking effect. This legislation would ensure that every American can vote in safe, secure, and transparent elections. 

Additionally, I joined 47 of my colleagues to cosponsor a Resolution Celebrating Diversity Promoting Tolerance and Condemning Hate in honor of Dr. King.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage all Americans to volunteer and lift up their communities. Today, we are reminded that like Dr. King, everyone has an opportunity to impact those around us through service.

This morning, I had the pleasure of attending the 38th Annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr./ Albert Owens Scholarship Breakfast. The breakfast recognized exceptional students at Maloney High School in Meriden. The annual event has been a staple in the community by helping students access higher education.

I look forward to continue to honor the life of Dr. King this afternoon with community faith leaders at Grace Baptist Church in Waterbury and will end this special day in Simsbury, a place Dr. King credits as his inspiration to enter the ministry. While many often quote Dr. King and cite his work, I ask that today we remind ourselves, reflect and recommit to the true meaning of his legacy.

Let us uphold his legacy today and always.

Jahana Hayes
Member of Congress