WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Attorney General Karl A. Racine wished the District a happy Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday and encouraged residents to let Dr. King’s call for racial, economic and social justice inspire them to serve their neighbors and work for justice – including justice for the District of Columbia.

“Dr. King, born 87 years ago today, was a pioneer who used his passion for justice and rare gift of public speaking to inspire people to action,” Attorney General Racine said. “He challenged Americans to reflect on how our country was failing to fulfill the promises enshrined in our Constitution and to use our hands, our feet, our minds and our voices to remedy those injustices.”

Attorney General Racine added, “While our country has seen great progress on many of the problems Dr. King battled, one major injustice persists for the 670,000 residents of the nation’s capital. Half a century after Dr. King marched with District residents and spoke out to demand autonomy for our city, we still do not have a vote in Congress or full self-determination rights. In 1966, Dr. King said Congress had been ‘derelict in their duties and sacred responsibility to make justice and freedom a reality for all citizens in the District of Columbia.’ Sadly, nearly 50 years later, that statement remains as true as the day Dr. King first uttered it.”

“Dr. King’s dream of justice and freedom for citizens across the country is a goal worthy of our constant dedication,”Attorney General Racine concluded. “Let us mark this holiday by re-committing ourselves to efforts to work for peace and justice for all – including renewed efforts to gain a vote in Congress and true self-determination for the District of Columbia.”