January 16, 2023

Duckworth Honors Dr. King’s Legacy at City Year Chicago Day of Service, DuSable Black History Museum

 

[CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) commemorated Martin Luther King Jr. Day today by joining local leaders and speaking about the value of service at Parkside Elementary School on Chicago’s southside, as part of City Year Chicago’s annual MLK Day of Service. The Senator, who has made community service a hallmark of her public life and has consistently volunteered to help improve her community, supported City Year and community volunteers working to help improve Parkside. Duckworth also joined local leaders at the DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center this afternoon to tour the space and honor the legacies of both Dr. King and generations of Black Americans. Photos from today’s events are available here.

“Decades ago, Dr. King asked us one of life’s most persistent and urgent questions: ‘What are you doing for others?’” Duckworth said. “It’s inspiring to see organizations like City Year answer that question and honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by contributing to local communities like today. Through service, we can say a small thank you to incredible Americans, like Dr. King, who used compassion to make this nation better, safer and more just for all.”

From supporting breast milk donation organizations to announcing federal support for volunteer programs throughout Illinois, Duckworth is a champion for civilian service. Duckworth introduced the America’s Call To Improve Opportunities Now (ACTION) for National Service Act which builds on her 21st Century American Service Act, in 2019 to help young Americans strengthen their communities and our nation through service while reducing their student debt burden.

One of the Senator’s top priorities is protecting the civil rights of all Illinoisans and Americans across the country, while working to level the playing field across communities. Last year, Duckworth re-introduced the Pre-Registration of Voters Everywhere (PROVE) Act to expand voter registration efforts nationwide and increase American citizens’ participation in the democratic process. This past November, she voted to pass the bipartisan Respect for Marriage Act, which would protect marriage equality for same-sex and interracial couples.

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