Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, celebrated nationally and in the territories on Monday, January 16.
“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., lived a life that is still making a difference today. His letters and speeches are studied and quoted decades later, and as powerful now as the day they were first used. His words and public example still inspire us to continue the work of equality and opportunity with love of country. He changed hearts and minds through persuasion, always peaceful but passionate, leaving our nation stronger and more unified.”
Included on his monument, in the nation’s capital, is this quotation from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., in 1964: “I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.”
Monday is a public holiday for ASG and the federal government, so all offices and departments will be closed as will the semi-independent authorities and the Territorial Bank of American Samoa.
Usually PTAs will organize working bees at their schools and church, and volunteer groups would hold pick-a-thons on the MLK holiday.
Photo: Amata and Dr Alveda King, niece of Dr Martin Luther King.
