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Gray Connects Equality Dream With D.C. Voting Rights

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Across the region Monday, many residents are celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. day by performing community service. Mayor Vincent Gray helped kick off one of the largest volunteer projects in D.C. and took the opportunity to speak about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy and District voting rights.

The location of Monday's outdoor soup kitchen and clothing drive was fitting: The Martin Luther King Jr. Library, in the heart of downtown D.C.

Dozens of homeless and at-risk residents were there for food and clothes, and there were just as many volunteers there helping out. Some of the clothes donated also went to 50 residents who use to be homeless but are now living in apartments under the city's Permanent Supportive Housing Program.

When Gray spoke to the crowd, he started by talking about King's life and why it's important people give back every day of the year.

But Gray then used the example of King and his push for equality to rail against the city's lack of voting rights in Congress. He spent the better part of his speech addressing this issue and firing up the crowd.

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