US Consul General in Erbil praises the role of Kurdish young leaders in Kurdistan Region

PEREGRAF 

US Consul General in Erbil, Irvin Hicks Jr., on Monday (Jan 16) delivered a speech at the University of Kurdistan-Hawler (UKH) during an event to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King.

“Later today, as the sun rises over the United States of America, Americans at home and abroad will pause for a National Day of Service and celebration in memory of the life and legacy of a great American, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who was born 94 years ago yesterday, in Atlanta, Georgia,”  US Consul General said.

He added that Dr. King was a human rights advocate, and a civil society activist who employed his “eloquent voice to change America.”

US Consul General also described his encounters with young Kurdish people saying, “I regularly meet with young Kurds who have just come back from various exchange programs to the United States, and one of the things I hear from them most often is how surprised and inspired they are by the American spirit of volunteerism.  On their return, these young Kurdish leaders go on to create their own community service projects in their home towns that includes Sulaimaniyah, Duhok, Halabja, and Erbil.”

He praised the activities of the Kurdish young leaders supplied the audience with details by saying, “One young leader created a food bank that ensures that hundreds of families each month do not go hungry.  Other leaders have worked on environmental clean-up programs, and more.  If you're not already volunteering within your community, today is a perfect time to start.  Find out where the need is and become an agent of positive change.  There are Internally Displaced People and refugees throughout Kurdistan who you're your help and support.  There are victims of gender-based violence, communities needing help to clean up polluted parks and rivers, and school children thirsting for an education without supplies and or books.”

In the end, he discussed that Dr. King’s entire life could be a source of generating underlying motivation. “In commemorating Dr. King, I hope you leave today's presentation asking yourself the following questions: How can I help?  How can I make my community, region, and nation better?  Your commitment to contributing to improving our common human destiny is the most worthy way for each of you to honor Dr. King's legacy,” he said.