Andre Carson: “As we approach the 50th anniversary of RFK's speech, it becomes very clear that America needs this national treasure to…”

“As we approach the 50th anniversary of RFK's speech, it becomes very clear that America needs this national treasure to be preserved and promoted beyond the residents of Indianapolis. This powerful message of nonviolence in response to violence is more timely and important than ever. The Smithsonian has described 1968 as ``the year that shattered America.'' It was a time when divisions were sharp and the morale of this country was low. Many stirred up hatred and fear with venomous rhetoric, which drove people long left out of America's bounty to the limits of their very humanity. Many cities erupted in flames and violent riots. When other cities expressed their justified pain, anger, and disenfranchisement with destruction, Robert Kennedy's calm voice of reason changed the hearts and minds of people who were feeling so much pain. Indianapolis was the only major city in America that did not burn in that season of pain and violent disruption. JFK was assassinated. Martin Luther King was assassinated. And just 2 months after RFK's emotional speech in Indianapolis, he, too, was assassinated. But in his youth and his ability to feel the pain of others, RFK called on those who were hurting to turn away from violence and hate and practice what MLK practiced. This message and this special place needs to be shared with all Americans across the country today and into the future.…”