Jan. 12, 2007
 
RAHALL REPORT: This Martin Luther King Day, Are We Walking the Walk?
 
From the desk of U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV)
Representing West Virginia's 3rd District
 
Washington, DC (HNN) -- This week, in the House of Representatives, I cast my vote for a bill that will increase the minimum wage from $5.15 an hour to $7.25 an hour over the next two years, helping to make ends meet a little easier for West Virginia families.
 
It is my hope the House will also consider proposals to offset any impact this will have on our small businesses with deductions and/or credits. It is fitting that this monumental minimum wage legislation passed the House just days before we commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., an outspoken advocate of fair wages who once said, "Equality means dignity. And dignity demands a job and a paycheck that lasts through the week."
 
Given the relevance of Dr. King's words today, it is hard to believe, in many ways, that more than four decades have passed since the good minister delivered his most famous speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. On that bright summer day, with radio and television for the first time carrying his eloquent voice and stirring message across the land, Dr. King spoke passionately of his dream for America. He spoke of America where all citizens would be judged by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin. He spoke of an America where all would enjoy the riches of freedom and the security of justice. He dreamed of an America where the doors of opportunity would be open to all of God's children.
 
His words rang loudly then, and changed the hearts of many. His words still echo today, and remind us of how far we have come. Yes, Dr. King will always be recognized as one of history's greatest orators, but he is remembered for so much more. As the late Coretta Scott King once said of her husband, "(Dr. King) knew that it wasn't enough just to talk the talk. You have to walk the walk."
 
And walk the walk he did. Dr. King walked the walk in Montgomery, Alabama, leading the boycott of a bus system that denied Ms. Rosa Parks a seat. He walked the walk in Chicago, fighting for better living conditions for those living in our harshest slums. From Harlem to the Heartland to the White House, Dr. King walked the walk of non-violent resistance, leading a movement for liberty and justice for all.
 
Were Dr. King here today, he might ask of us, are we walking the walk or just talking the talk?
 
Are we honoring the contributions of one of our greatest leaders by moving forward? Or are we standing still?
 
I know some of us are walking the walk. For 98 years the NAACP has been fighting for the protections of the same freedoms for which Dr. King and so many others fought and died. They are the torchbearers, they have honored his legacy. I commend the NAACP and all of those who are keeping Dr. King's dream alive, including those participating in this year's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service.
 
Since 1994, the Corporation for National and Community Service and Atlanta's King Center have encouraged Americans to make the King holiday "a day on, not a day off." They sponsor service projects and educational programs to achieve this goal, and provide grants to support activities that honor Dr. King through community service. This year, one of these grants has been awarded to the Beckley, W.Va. branch of the Citizens Conservation Corps of West Virginia. Partnering with Mountain State University, the CCC is using the grant to sponsor a Community Day of Service on Monday, January 15 for individuals to volunteer to help undertake renovations and improvements to historic Stratton Elementary, home to Beckley's first black high school during the days of school segregation. The grant is a testimony to the energy and efficacy of the CCC's efforts and the work funded by this grant will endow children and adults of all creeds and races with a sense of social justice and a commitment to civil rights and community service while preserving one of our area's most historic treasures.
 
It was a great honor for me to cast my vote 20 years ago to set aside the third Monday in January to commemorate Dr. King's unfailing labors. The public remembrances and celebrations that have been held annually across our State and Nation in the years since are evidence of Mr. King's lasting legacy.
 
But I think we will all agree that the greatest tribute we can give to this great leader on this special day and throughout the year is to make sure we don't just talk the talk. The way has been paved for us, by Dr. King and so many others who have fought and died for freedom and equality. But the work is not finished. Let's walk the walk together.