Dr. King’s legacy is central not only to the culture of my district, but also to my own life and work. His work helped make possible the path I myself have taken, from being a sixteen year old girl who came to this country by herself for a college education to an advocate for human rights to becoming the first Indian-American legislator in the Washington state Legislature.
— Pramila Jayapal, the newly sworn in senator from the 37th Legislative District, speaking in favor of a resolution honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.