January 26, 2006
Civil Rights Leader Joins Pro-Life Democrats
Democrats For Life of America held their annual March for Life Breakfast Monday in Washington, D.C. This year’s breakfast featured Dr. Alveda King, daughter of the late slain civil rights activist Rev. A. D. King and niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
During the years of the Civil Rights Movement, led by her uncle, Alveda's family home was bombed in Birmingham, Alabama in the heat of the struggle. "Daddy's house was bombed, then in Louisville, Kentucky his church office was bombed. I was also jailed during the open housing movement," Alveda King recalls.
Democrats For Life of America was one of the many pro-life organizations participating in the annual march proclaiming the need to protect the rights of the unborn.
“We are committed to protecting life. That’s why we are so excited about this year’s march, and hope that more Americans learn more about our efforts to foster a respect for human life from conception to a natural death,” said Kristen Day, Executive Director of Democrats For Life of America.
During her speech, King recalled a time when “’liberal’ meant ‘generous, caring, concerned for others.” She shared a story in which a young child she spoke to compared abortion to slavery -- no choice for the unborn, no choice for the slaves, and she has since taken that message to the public. In telling her own story of being a post-abortive mother, she said, “abortion has consequences for the mother.” King spoke of her own guilt, detachment from her other children, and cervical problems leading to surgery.
Democrats for Life of America were also present later in the day at the March for Life Rose Dinner. The guest speaker at the dinner was former U.S. Ambassador Ray Flynn. Flynn urged those working in the pro-life movement to continue their efforts using both their “heads and their hearts.” He recalled a time when every elected Democrat in his home state of Massachusetts was pro-life. “The only pro-choice people you could find were Republicans.” He highlighted social justice as an issue that should be part of a pro-life ethic.
Flynn thanked Nellie Gray for having the courage to invite a Democrat to be the speaker at this year’s dinner. As the crowd applauded, he commented, “sounds like there are more Democrats out there.”
Democrats For Life of America was founded in 1999 to mobilize Democrats at the local, state, and national levels. Their primary mission has been to elect pro-life Democrats, support pro-life elected officials, promote a pro-life plank in the Democratic Party platform and achieve legislation that fosters respect for human life.
Democrats For Life of America currently has 32 state chapters with plans to expand the group into additional states by the end of the year. In addition to the grassroots support across America, the group has several Members of Congress who are actively promoting the group’s mission.
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