The Nation's Only Black Senator Was Not Invited to Speak at Event Commemorating MLK March on Washington

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), the only black person serving in the U.S. Senate, was not invited speak at Wednesday's event commemorating the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic march on Washington. There were, however, a number of Democratic lawmakers who were invited to appear.

A spokesman for Scott confirmed to the Washington Examiner that the senator "was not invited to speak at the event."

"The senator believes today is a day to remember the extraordinary accomplishments and sacrifices of Dr. King, Congressman John Lewis, and an entire generation of black leaders. Today’s anniversary should simply serve as an opportunity to reflect upon how their actions moved our country forward in a remarkable way," the spokesman said in the statement.

Sen. Tim Scott speaks to supporters during an event where South Carolina Republican Gov. Nikki Haley announced her candidacy for a second term at the Bi-Lo Center Monday, Aug. 26, 2013, in Greenville , S.C. Supporting Gov. Haley were Perry, Bobby Jindal-La. and Scott Walker-Wis. Credit: AP

"The event organizers didn’t completely exclude Republicans from the event — former President George W. Bush received an invitation, but he couldn’t attend as he is recovering from surgery — the slate of speakers was filled with names such as former President Clinton, Gov. Martin O’Malley, D-Md., Oprah Winfrey, Jamie Foxx and others," the Examiner's Joel Gehrke notes.

TheBlaze has reached out to MLK Dream 50 to ask why Scott did not receive an invitation. This story will be updated should they respond.

(H/T: Drudge)

Featured image via AP

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