Treasurer McCord Marks MLK Day with Service Project in Philadelphia

Notes impact on education of landmark Supreme Court decision 60 years ago

Philadelphia – State Treasurer Rob McCord participated in a service project at Girard College in Philadelphia this morning to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day, while also noting two significant anniversaries -- 60 years since the U.S. Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision that dramatically affected educational opportunity in America, and 50 years since the passage of the Civil Rights Act.

"Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of one of our country's foremost leaders and pioneers of the civil rights movement, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

"I believe Dr. King's work, words, and actions continue to inspire most Americans. Dr. King rallied the moral conscience of our country. He demonstrated remarkable courage, strategic insight, and eloquence, and he was a truly invaluable leader," McCord said.

"It is difficult to imagine how we could have succeeded in changing our laws to accommodate and protect human equality and access to the American Dream without Dr. King. And that fundamental change has fueled much of America's success. We honor and give thanks to Dr. King for his visionary leadership and the ultimate sacrifice he made for our freedom and civil rights," McCord added.

In light of his dedication to service, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is referred to as "A Day On, Not A Day Off." McCord volunteered along with other elected officials, neighbors, and friends at Girard College in the 19th Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service signature project. Volunteers are assembling and packing critically needed basic supplies for the Philadelphia public schools, including classroom and library books, computers and modems, and college preparation materials. The project was organized by Global Citizen.

"This service project is of particular importance to me. As Pennsylvania's State Treasurer, I believe all of our children should have access to outstanding education. Their success is paramount to the growth and stability of Pennsylvania's communities," McCord said.

"Dr. King and his contemporaries fought for the rights and freedoms of all Americans to have equal and civil protections so that anyone who wanted to achieve success could do so without barriers or discrimination," McCord said. "I am proud to honor his legacy -- and will continue to do my part on behalf of the next generation of leaders."

Girard College is a boarding school, located on an enclosed 43-acre campus in Philadelphia, for children in grades 1 through 12 from families with limited financial resources headed by a single parent or guardian.

For more information, visit www.patreasury.gov.

Media contact:
Gary Tuma
717-787-2465
gtuma@patreasury.gov

Tags: