Maiden Speech by Rep Cindy Ryu on House Floor, Honors Dr. Martin Luther King

Cindy Ryu honors Dr Martin Luther King's Birthday, with her first floor speech yesterday.
A video of her speech is also available @ 
http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/cindy-ryu/rep-cindy-ryus-maiden-speech-honors-martin-luther-king-jr/


Rep Ryu was elected by voters in the 32nd District this past November. She made history as the first Korean-American Women ever elected to the State House. She had previously also made history as the first Korean-American Women elected Mayor in the US as mayor of Shoreline. Cindy Ryu is a Democrat representing the 32nd Legislative District which includes Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Woodway, Kenmore and parts of un-incoprorated King and Snohomish Counties.

Rep Cindy Ryu

Thank you, Mr. Speaker,

I’m proud my first speech in this House is about Martin Luther King, Jr., and his dream.

As the first Korean-American woman to have the honor of serving in this House, I know in my heart that I would not be here if Martin Luther King’s dream had died with him

Many of us would not be here.

He dreamed of an America with freedom, opportunity, justice, and full civil rights for all. He dreamed of an America where what counted was the content of a person’s character. And Americans listened.

In fact, the whole world listened.

지금 나에게는 꿈이 있습니다.

[Ji Keum Na Ae Gae Neun GGeum E It SSeum Nee Da] 

That is “I have a dream today” translated into Korean. I say it to remind us that Dr. King’s dream has been translated intomany languages around the world. And it still inspires people around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I know these are hard times. This recession doesn’t feel like the dream. And we have not yet reached (the goal of) full civil rights for all. But let’s remember what Dr. King said when he shared his dream.  He is speaking to us today as we remember and celebrate his life.

May I quote very briefly from his “I have a Dream” speech, Mr. Speaker?

Quote:

“I say to you today, my friends, that even though we face the difficulties and frustrations of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream!  It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream!

I believe we will, if we don’t let go, of the America of our dreams.

Dr. King said there would be bends in the road, even when we are moving forward. He also said that we will reach our goal.