Chris Lyttle MLA said: “Martin Luther King’s ‘I have a dream’ speech was the defining point in the American Civil Rights movement. It has inspired many people over the past 50 years, not just in America but around the world in different campaigns for civil, political and religious rights.
“His words still have resonance today, especially in Northern Ireland where we are still working to end segregation – one of the main issues that he spoke out against in his speech. He spoke of little boys and girls from all backgrounds being able to join hands together and walk down the street as brothers and sisters – something that we must aspire to achieve in Northern Ireland.
“We must never forget his message of integration and hope for a better future. Northern Ireland still has a journey to travel to achieve a genuine shared future. We still have much work to do to end the divisions in our society and realise the dream that Dr King spoke of.
“I hope that on the 50th anniversary of this speech, other political parties will commit to achieving proper integration in our society. We cannot and should not accept anything less.”
ENDS