For Immediate Release: 
January 13, 2026

[email protected] 

Congresswoman Maxine Waters Honored with Watts Area Ministers Legacy Award at Annual Dr. King Day Celebration 

LOS ANGELES, CA - Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Financial Services, was honored with the Watts Area Ministers Legacy Award during the Annual Watts Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, held Saturday in the Watts community of South Los Angeles.

The award was presented by the Watts Area Ministers, a longstanding coalition of faith leaders serving South Los Angeles, in recognition of Congresswoman Waters’ decades-long commitment to civil rights, economic justice, housing equity, and advocacy for historically underserved communities. The award was presented under the leadership of Pastor Robert Taylor, President of the Watts Area Ministers.

In accepting the honor, Congresswoman Waters reflected on Dr. King’s legacy and stressed that the fight for justice requires action, particularly in the areas of housing, economic opportunity, and voting rights.

“Dr. King didn’t march so we could celebrate once a year and go back to business as usual,” said Congresswoman Waters. “He marched so Black folks could live with dignity, afford a decent home, earn a fair wage, and vote without interference. In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, I am fully committed to the proposition that freedom is not voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. I will keep fighting for equal rights, no matter who tries to roll them back.”

During her remarks, Congresswoman Waters emphasized that Dr. King understood housing and economic security as civil rights issues, noting that stable and affordable housing is foundational to strong families and thriving communities. She tied that legacy to her work as the leading Democrat on the Financial Services Committee, where she has fought to expand affordable housing, strengthen fair lending protections, protect consumers, and hold financial institutions accountable.

She also warned that the right to vote, won through sacrifice and struggle, is once again under attack, and urged communities to remain vigilant and engaged in protecting democracy. 

“The right to vote was paid for with blood,” Congresswoman Waters said. “John Lewis proved that on the bridge in Selma. We cannot allow anyone, courts, politicians, or even the President of the United States, to take away what our ancestors fought and bled for.”

The Annual Watts Dr. King Day Celebration brought together clergy, community leaders, elders, families, and elected officials under the theme “Keeping the Dream Alive.” The program featured prayers, musical selections, civic presentations, and a moment of commemoration honoring Dr. King’s enduring impact.

Congresswoman Waters thanked the Watts Area Ministers for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to continuing Dr. King’s unfinished work through legislative leadership and deep partnership with the community. 

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