SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that we must inhabit the determined spirit of 1968 if we are to win the civil rights fight of today.
The Foyle MLA said that it is important that we remember the sacrifice made by those who faced down the sectarianism of the state by peaceful means, and that we should never forget the debt of gratitude that we owe to them.
Speaking on the 50th anniversary of the first civil rights march from Coalisland to Dungannon, Mr Eastwood commented:
“The SDLP are extremely proud of the role many of our founders played in the Civil Rights Movement.
“Their tenacity and sheer determination to break the deeply sectarian state before them and pave the way for Nationalism to enter mainstream politics and be treated as full and equal citizens is something we should all be profoundly grateful for.
“The men and women who peacefully took to the streets in places like Derry, set a trajectory for generations to come.
“My party and I are in constant pursuit to build upon the trajectory set down by the founders of the Civil Rights Movement; that every citizen is equal and should therefore be treated equally under the law.
“Though much has been achieved in the last 50 years, we still have a journey ahead of us.
“The SDLP will not be found wanting when it comes to building an equal society.
“Whether that be delivering for Irish language speakers, our LGBT+ citizens, ethnic minorities and asylum seekers, the disabled, victims of our troubled past and many more.
“In a time where equality has been reduced to mere slogans on placards, the SDLP by design is and has always been committed to the securing of civil rights for all,” added the SDLP leader.
Tags: