SIGNED INTO LAW: President Trump Signs Carson’s Kennedy-King Establishment Act
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Today, President Trump signed into law H.R. 4851, the Kennedy-King Establishment Act of 2018, legislation introduced by Congressman André Carson (D-IN) and co-sponsored by Congresswoman Susan Brooks (R-IN). Senators Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and Todd Young (R-IN) introduced a companion bill in the Senate. This legislation officially recognizes MLK Park in Indianapolis where Senator Robert F. Kennedy delivered a timeless speech on the day Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, and establishes the site as a part of the newly created U.S. Civil Rights Network.
"With today's bill signing, we are bringing much needed recognition to a site that epitomizes the ideals of Senator Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." said Congressman André Carson. "As new generations carry on the march toward civil rights, I hope that this site will serve as a reminder of the need for non-violence and tolerance in our community and world."
On April 4, 1968, Kennedy was scheduled to be in Indianapolis for a campaign event when he learned of the tragic death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Kennedy decided to speak to the crowd and inform them of the tragic news in a manner that called for a nonviolent reaction. As a result, while many other cities erupted in violence and rioting following Dr. King's assassination, Indianapolis did not suffer riots or bloodshed. Today, Indianapolis is commemorating the 50th anniversary of Senator Robert F. Kennedy's speech.