In Their Own Words: Minnesota Lawmakers Celebrate MLK Day
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Minnesota lawmakers on both sides of the aisle shared sentiments Monday honoring Martin Luther King Jr. on the federal holiday dedicated to his memory.
Here's a look at what Minnesota politicians had to say about the civil rights icon who was born Jan. 15, 1929.
Celebrating MLK Holiday in Winston-Salem with my Brother Eric Ellison, Esq. pic.twitter.com/VmIQkASGSW
— Rep. Keith Ellison (@keithellison) January 16, 2017
Today, we honor an incredible leader who helped mold this country into what it is today. #MLKday2017 #MLK pic.twitter.com/h2Bc4rXELG
— Tom Emmer (@RepTomEmmer) January 16, 2017
Happy #MLKDAY! Let's honor Dr. King's legacy with action. As he said, "The time is always right to do what is right."
— Amy Klobuchar (@amyklobuchar) January 16, 2017
As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "the time is always right to do what is right." Let us honor Dr. King's inspiring legacy. #MLKDay#MN02
— Jason Lewis (@Jason2CD) January 16, 2017
At the center of non-violence stands the principle of love. -Martin Luther King, Jr. #quote #quotes
— Betsy Hodges (@MayorHodges) January 16, 2017
In the words of Dr. King - the time is always right to do what is right. Honored to spend today celebrating his legacy. #MLKday2017 https://t.co/UBaTQOr9WM
— Chris Coleman (@mayorcoleman) January 16, 2017
Meanwhile, the federal holiday is playing a role in a political battle between President-elect Donald Trump and Congressman John Lewis, one of the organizers of the March on Washington and a legendary Freedom Rider.
Over the weekend, Lewis said Trump was a not a "legitimate president" and said he would not attend the Republican president-elect's inauguration. Other Democratic lawmakers have since vowed to do the same.
On Twitter, Trump lashed out at Lewis, telling to focus on "crime infested inner-cities." Meanwhile, on Monday, the president-elect called for Americans to celebrate King's legacy. "Honor him for the great man he was!" Trump wrote.
Celebrate Martin Luther King Day and all of the many wonderful things that he stood for. Honor him for being the great man that he was!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 16, 2017
Lewis reminded his Twitter followers that King practiced nonviolent civil disobedience and was jailed for his actions.
We honor Dr. King's legacy through service to our community and adherence to the philosophy & discipline of nonviolence #MLKDay #goodtrouble pic.twitter.com/URVlDGT2Yq
— John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) January 16, 2017