Hoyer Delivers Remarks at Prince George's County NAACP Hester V. King Freedom Fund Gala

OXON HILL, MD – This evening, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) delivered remarks at the Prince George's County NAACP Hester V. King Freedom Fund Gala at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland. The annual gala supports the major programs of the Prince George's County NAACP, including health and education initiatives. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:

"Thank you and good evening!

"I am honored to be here this evening. 

"It is fitting that the theme for this year's gala is "All in for justice and equality."

"That's exactly what the Prince George's County NAACP has been fighting for.

"It's also what Democrats in Congress are fighting for: justice and equality for all.

"We are fighting for equal pay for women and a fair wage for workers.

"We're fighting to bring millions of undocumented workers and their families out of the shadows.

"And we're fighting to raise the federal minimum wage to jumpstart the middle class and help more people achieve the American Dream.

"Democrats are also fighting to protect and defend the Voting Rights Act, an issue on which the NAACP has been leading across the country.

"We cannot forget the work of those who fought for the right to vote.

"On ‘Bloody Sunday,' nearly 50 years ago, my friend – Congressman John Lewis – and other civil rights leaders led 600 peaceful protesters attempting to march from Selma to Montgomery to speak out for the need for voting rights protections in Alabama.

"As they crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge, they were attacked, tear-gassed, clubbed and whipped.

"But they preserved, and Congress passed the landmark, bipartisan Voting Rights Act.

"The Supreme Court's decision last summer to invalidate a section of that act was a step backward for civil rights in our country.

"In less than three weeks, we have an important election critical to Prince George's County, the State of Maryland, and our entire country.

"So much is at stake.

"I was just at a ‘Get Out The Vote' rally in Upper Marlboro with President Obama encouraging Marylanders to help elect Anthony Brown as our next governor, and Ken Ulman as our next lieutenant governor on November 4.

"We need to send a clear message that all Americans' voices matter.

"The right to vote must be protected for all Americans to ensure equality and justice for all.

"So I hope you will join me in voting on November 4 or voting early, starting this Thursday through the following Thursday, 10:00am to 8:00pm.

"Thank you again for all the work you do."