Lt. Governor Francis and Second Lady Cheryl Francis recently joined St. Croix community leaders, parents, teachers and students in celebrating the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.  Mr. and Mrs. Francis participated in a march and rally held to honor the civil rights leader.  The event was organized by the Central Labor Council. 

Francis joined Usie R. Richards, President of the 27th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, and keynote speaker Pastor Reginald Perry in calling for an end to the violence that is affecting the Virgin Islands community.  Speakers and performers at the event spoke about the impact of Martin Luther King, Jr. on society. All agreed, however, that the community has not lived up to King’s dream. 

“We have not lived up the dream of peace and non-violence,” Francis remarked to the audience of approximately 200 people.  “Every day we lose our best and brightest to violent crime.  We see those lives cut short because we have not shared with our youth the message of non-violent means to resolve conflict.” 

The Lt. Governor renewed his call for a peaceful 2008.  “I started this New Year calling for an end to the senseless violence that is destroying our community and destroying many dreams,” Francis stated.  He challenged the adults in the audience to take charge.  “That is our responsibility and our challenge – to walk the walk and embody Dr. King’s dream by working together to bring about positive change in our communities.”