In Chicago, Duckworth Honors King’s Legacy of Service and Commitment to Justice

[CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) commemorated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day today by joining local leaders and speaking about the value of service and the importance of community. Duckworth began her day at Rainbow PUSH’s annual breakfast, where she honored Dr. King’s words to Chicago 60 years ago and how his message is more pertinent than ever today. Photos from this event can be found on theSenator’s website.
“Here in Illinois, Dr. King asked us to imagine a better, fairer tomorrow,”Duckworth said.“He talked about justice, and of the great big power of even the smallest acts of kindness. He spread the message that if America was to become that more perfect Union our founders dreamed of, it would need to value compassion over might—a desire to be good over a need to be great. Today, nearly 60 years later, his words ring just as true.”
Duckworth continued her day at City Year Chicago’s annual MLK Day of Service where she joined City Year Chicago and Americorps members to help complete various beautification projects at Morgan Park High School, honoring Dr. King’s legacy through action, unity and service. Duckworth ended her day with a visit to the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s (GCFD) Prepared Meal Site, where she toured the facility she helped secure $450,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending for in Fiscal Year 2023. GCFD distributes donated and purchased food through a network of 700 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and community programs, serving more than 800,000 adults and children every year. Photos from theCity Year Day of Serviceare available on the Senator’s website, as well as photos from theGreater Chicago Food Depository.
“Decades ago, Dr. King asked us one of life’s most persistent and urgent questions: ‘What are you doing for others?’,”Duckworth said.“We must remember that American service isn’t just about picking up a rifle and rucksack—it can also be about picking up a paint brush, piece of chalk or a clipboard to improve the lives of those around us. Through service, we can say a small thank you to the incredible Americans, like Dr. King, who work to make this nation better, safer and more just for all.”
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