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Castros Join National Celebration Of Martin Luther King's 'Dream' Speech

David Martin Davies
/
TPR News

As the nation celebrates the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a Dream" speech, American Latino’s are also reflecting on their struggle for civil rights and how King’s dream is still alive for them. 

As part of the day-long celebration on the national mall in Washington D.C., San Antonio Congressman Joaquín Castro will be taking the stage along with other civil rights leaders and President Obama.

"It’s really a good chance for the people of my generation to honor the work that was done by the civil rights pioneers of the 50s, 60s and 70s and also to think about how this generation of Americans must carry on that work," Castro said.

Castro is the only Latino who will deliver remarks during the Let Freedom Ring ceremony. He said King's speech still resonates today for all Americans and in current immigration reform activists, who are appropriately called "dreamers."

"Martin Luther King’s vision was, of course, essential to the African American community, but I think also extended beyond that," Castro said. "And we see that in his relationship with Cesar Chavez in the 1960s for example. And so when we talk about the 'dreamers' -- the dream act students -- we really are talking about an extension of that dream."

Castro’s twin brother, San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro, is also taking part in the event.

David Martin Davies can be reached at dmdavies@tpr.org and on Twitter at @DavidMartinDavi