For Immediate Release
January 19, 2009
For More Information Contact:
Ed Shelleby
(202) 662-3602)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Children’s Defense Fund President Marian Wright Edelman made the following statement regarding President Obama’s Inauguration.
“As record-breaking masses of people are gathering in Washington, D.C., to be part of this extraordinary event on the Mall in our nation’s capital, the day has a special emotional significance for those of us who were also here during the sweltering week in August 1963 when crowds marched on the Mall to listen to Dr. King tell us about his dream. Many people are feeling as if a piece of American history is coming full circle. This joyful, hopeful Inauguration Day is the first day of President Obama’s opportunity as our nation’s new leader to follow Dr. King’s dream and further our nation’s professed commitment to justice for all.”
“Now the real hard work begins. As President Obama takes office, I urge him to place our nation’s children at the center of his administration’s priorities. We must fight to create a level playing field for every child in every corner of America and invest in our human capital, which will determine the vibrancy of America`s leadership in the new century. It is a new day in America, and it is a time for all of us to step forward together for children because they own the future. I hope all Americans join with President Obama and do our part in advancing the dream.”