Pramila Jayapal on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

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.