04.09.2013
A special public screening of Martin Luther King’s famous ‘I have a dream’ speech delivered at the historic March on Washington on 28 August 1963 will take place in the Scottish Parliament’s Debating Chamber this week.
At 7pm on Thursday 5 September, the Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Tricia Marwick MSP, will welcome members of the public and invited guests to the screening as part of an event organised by MSP James Dornan and the Ethnic Minority Civic Congress. Members of the public can request tickets through the Scottish Parliament. (Details are at the end of this release)
The Presiding Officer said:
“This is one of the finest speeches made in the last century. As a young girl, it had a profound effect on me and, as its anniversary clearly showed, it continues to resonate across the world today.
“Given its importance, I wanted to ensure as many people as possible could come into their nation’s Parliament and see this screening. I am delighted that we can offer our Chamber to host this event. It says much about the sort of Parliament we are and our aspirations to represent and include all the people of Scotland.”
Following the screening, a panel of invited guests will debate the issues the speech raises and its relevance today. The panel discussion will be chaired by James Dornan MSP and includes Malcolm Chisholm MSP, John Finnie MSP, Rhiordan Lang-Fortune Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament; and Graham Campbell, Secretary, Ethnic Minority Civic Congress. Zoja Bazarnic, Principal Officer, US Consulate General will bring the event to a close at 8pm.
MSP sponsor and host of the event James Dornan MSP said:
“Dr King’s speech is rightly considered one of the finest of the 20th century, and the common themes of equality, justice and most importantly hope all resonate as much today as they did 50 years ago.
“I am delighted to sponsor a showing of this speech in our nation’s Chamber and look forward to discussing his legacy.”
Background
Public tickets can be obtained by contacting the Parliament’s visitor services team: