In Tribute to Fiftieth Anniversary of Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech,

 

Secretary-General Says ‘We Come Together to Continue His Journey for Justice’

 

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s video message to the fiftieth anniversary commemoration of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s “I Have a Dream” Speech, in Washington, D.C., 28 August:

Excellencies, members of the King family, veterans of the struggle for civil rights, ladies and gentlemen.

This is an historic day for the United States — and the United Nations.  We pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. — an American hero and a leader for people around the world.  Dr. King’s values are United Nations values — equality, freedom, peace.

Today, we come together to continue his journey for justice.  Half a century ago, a top United Nations official took part in the March on Washington.  His name was Ralph Bunche.  Mr. Bunche once told Dr. King:  “Right is on your side and all the world knows it.”

As a young man in the 1960s in faraway Korea, I knew it.  I was deeply moved by Dr. King and all those who stood up for human rights and human dignity.  Soon after I became Secretary-General, I visited the King Center in Atlanta.  And in my travels, I have seen again and again how Dr. King’s words still inspire people in every corner of our globe.  

Fifty years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., shared his dream with the world.   Together, let us keep working until that dream is realized everywhere — for all people.  Thank you.

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For information media • not an official record