Chantal Pierre at Realizing the Dream in Atlanta just sent this message from Martin Luther King III on the passing of the Honorable Jack Kemp.
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Posted by Charleen Touchette NM Coordinator Realizing the Dream
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Realizing the Dream Remembers
the Honorable Jack Kemp
Realizing the Dream Remembers the Honorable Jack Kemp
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Posted by Charleen Touchette NM Coordinator Realizing the Dream
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Realizing the Dream Remembers
the Honorable Jack Kemp
Realizing the Dream Remembers the Honorable Jack Kemp
There are few leaders that see truth and justice as ideas not only to be respected, but also lived. The world has lost one such leader in the passing of the Honorable John "Jack" Kemp. He leaves behind a 40 year legacy of public service highlighted by his passion for advocating policies that benefit, not just the average citizen, but also America's forgotten many who live on the margins of our economy.
Secretary Kemp was a good friend of my mother's and one of the few politicians who understood and practiced my father's belief in putting the people before party or self-interest. He was once quoted saying, "I wasn't there with Rosa Parks or Dr. King or John Lewis. But I am here now and I'm going to yell from the rooftops about what we need to do." He remained true to that promise pushing race relations and anti-poverty initiatives when it was unpopular to do so, supporting affirmative action and sanctions against South Africa's apartheid government.
Kemp was an active member of Realizing the Dream's Advisory Board, lending his invaluable knowledge to the dialogue on redressing poverty at this past October's annual Summit to Realize the Dream. His perspective as a conservative politician genuinely concerned with the plight of the poor and oppressed is a testament to the belief that truth knows no racial, partisan or class barriers.
Never one to shy away from controversy, Kemp was adamant about his party's need to be more inclusive to minorities and underrepresented groups. He remained a supporter of civil rights throughout his career, counting leaders of all faiths, parties and ethnicities as close friends and allies. Kemp utilized his resources as Secretary of HUD to stem discriminatory tactics by lenders and insurers, advocate for poor tenants and equal housing opportunity. He recognized that the American dream could not be divorced from alleviating poverty, inequality and injustice.
There are many ways to remember Jack. A wizened few might remember his stellar career as an NFL quarterback, where off the field he defied bigotry, treating his black teammates with respect and humanity. Some will remember him as a tenacious congressman challenging his party and the American government to make good on its promise of equality for all by signing the legislation that would officially establish the King Holiday. Many will remember him as an advocate for economic empowerment as Housing Secretary under George H.W. Bush. I will forever remember him as a close friend of my family, always eager to help when called upon and an ardent supporter of Realizing the Dream.
Jack Kemp will be greatly missed by his many friends, family and all of us here at Realizing the Dream. He leaves behind his wife Joanne, two sons, two daughters and 17 grandchildren, to which we extend our condolences and prayers.
Martin L. King, III
CEO
Realizing the Dream, Inc.
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Secretary Kemp was a good friend of my mother's and one of the few politicians who understood and practiced my father's belief in putting the people before party or self-interest. He was once quoted saying, "I wasn't there with Rosa Parks or Dr. King or John Lewis. But I am here now and I'm going to yell from the rooftops about what we need to do." He remained true to that promise pushing race relations and anti-poverty initiatives when it was unpopular to do so, supporting affirmative action and sanctions against South Africa's apartheid government.
Kemp was an active member of Realizing the Dream's Advisory Board, lending his invaluable knowledge to the dialogue on redressing poverty at this past October's annual Summit to Realize the Dream. His perspective as a conservative politician genuinely concerned with the plight of the poor and oppressed is a testament to the belief that truth knows no racial, partisan or class barriers.
Never one to shy away from controversy, Kemp was adamant about his party's need to be more inclusive to minorities and underrepresented groups. He remained a supporter of civil rights throughout his career, counting leaders of all faiths, parties and ethnicities as close friends and allies. Kemp utilized his resources as Secretary of HUD to stem discriminatory tactics by lenders and insurers, advocate for poor tenants and equal housing opportunity. He recognized that the American dream could not be divorced from alleviating poverty, inequality and injustice.
There are many ways to remember Jack. A wizened few might remember his stellar career as an NFL quarterback, where off the field he defied bigotry, treating his black teammates with respect and humanity. Some will remember him as a tenacious congressman challenging his party and the American government to make good on its promise of equality for all by signing the legislation that would officially establish the King Holiday. Many will remember him as an advocate for economic empowerment as Housing Secretary under George H.W. Bush. I will forever remember him as a close friend of my family, always eager to help when called upon and an ardent supporter of Realizing the Dream.
Jack Kemp will be greatly missed by his many friends, family and all of us here at Realizing the Dream. He leaves behind his wife Joanne, two sons, two daughters and 17 grandchildren, to which we extend our condolences and prayers.
Martin L. King, III
CEO
Realizing the Dream, Inc.
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