“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Christian, a man of peace and a pioneer in advancing the cause of civil rights. Dr. King’s philosophy of non-violent social change made a lasting impact upon the world and inspired others to follow his lead in advancing civil liberties.

“Dr. King is an excellent role model for today’s youth and I strongly encourage Alabama students to study his writing and speeches.

“All his life Dr. King dreamed of equality and justice for all Americans and worked tirelessly to achieve his vision. Students today can learn so much from his teachings and I encourage educators to inspire young people through stories of King’s life so they too may use their energies to make a better world.

“As the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, Dr. King is a shining example of what it means to be an American. Using his own initiative, he was able to change the world, and that should serve as an example for us all.”