Honoring the dream

The last few days have been uplifting and inspiring as Lisa and I have joined with so many other members of our community to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

It’s important that we keep the memory of Dr. King’s enduring life, actions and words alive. It is what this holiday is all about, and why we commemorate it with such enthusiasm year after year. It’s a time for us to celebrate and rededicate ourselves to the dream that Dr. King had for our nation – a dream of equal opportunity, equal access to education, and a commitment to fight for that which is right.

During what was to be his last speech, Dr. King said something that I believe we should all be reminded of, not just during this holiday, but each and every day. On April 3, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, he said,

 “Let us rise up […] with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.”

Dr. King’s words are a call to action. We must stand with greater determination to solve the many challenges before us, and as Dr. King taught us, we must stand together. Lisa and I are proud to be a part of a community that stands up for public education and children’s health care. We are proud to be a part of a community that stands with working families. And we are proud to stand with you to honor the dream of Dr. King today and every day.