On the recordJanuary 8, 2018
Let me thank Congressman Evans for hosting tonight's Special Order hour on Dr. King's life and legacy. The gentleman from Philadelphia has come to this body and has made an impact in his first year on the floor of Congress. We are delighted to have had him join the CBC. Mr. Speaker, as I sat here and listened to my colleagues, the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, Cedric Richmond, not the eldest member of the caucus, but a young man who has demonstrated the leadership to be the head of this august body; and to hear my colleague--and I use the term in reverence--John Lewis, I am fortunate to be able to serve the 10th Congressional District of the State of New Jersey at this time. Because, you see, I was sitting here as I listened to Barbara Lee, Sheila Jackson Lee, John Lewis, Terri Sewell, and Mr. Evans, that to whom much is given, much is expected. I hear the story of the ``Boy From Troy.'' I hear the story of my chairman, Cedric Richmond. But I have been fortunate in my life because, you see, I had a father who felt that the most important thing to do was to serve this country and this world. He instilled that in me. A lot of his teachings come from Dr. Martin Luther King. Fifty years after his death, Dr. King's legacy has been shrouded in myth by people who prefer being comfortable to being real. Mr. Speaker, at this time, as young people back in my district say, I am going to keep it real.…
