South Carolina lawmakers celebrate Martin Luther King Jr., remember his message

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, Lowcountry Rep. Joe Cunningham, and Sen. Tim Scott all released statements on Monday acknowledging and celebrating Martin Luther King Jr., who would have been 90 this year.

Gov. McMaster asked everyone to remember Dr. King's "vision of treating all people equally, with respect and dignity."

Rep. Joe Cunningham said Americans should look to Dr. King as a guide, while the nation goes through "this time of major contention."

Sen. Tim Scott said it is important today to remember Dr. King's message, "in our pursuit of a more civil and fair America—an America where one’s race, gender, or zip code does not dictate their opportunity."

“We have made significant progress in our nation, and while there is still work to do, we must let civility, fairness, and opportunity drive our resolve for a more perfect union. Today, we stand on the shoulders of great men like Dr. King in our pursuit of a more civil and fair America—an America where one’s race, gender, or zip code does not dictate their opportunity. In the end, as Dr. King said, ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.’ On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, may we honor the work that he started, the doors of opportunity he opened, and the message he proclaimed.”