On this solemn holiday, we honor

one of America’s most inspiring leaders:

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968

When he was cut down by an assassin’s bullet, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was doing what he did best: seeking equality and human rights for African Americans, the economically disadvantaged, and all victims of injustice through peaceful protest.

In what would be the final civil disobedience campaign of his life, Dr. King rallied support for AFSCME sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee, who enlisted his aid during a lengthy strike for job safety, better wages and benefits, and union recognition.

Dr. King understood the concept of unity, and he realized the importance of standing up for all those seeking justice.

So, as we remember watershed events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the 1963 March on Washington, which helped bring about the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, let us also remember that there is no adversity too great to overcome when we stand united for justice.

Although difficult battles lie ahead in our painfully divided America, we cannot allow ourselves to lose faith and hope. Instead, we must continue to band together in solidarity to fight for causes we believe in and for the future that we deserve.

“Whenever you are engaged in work that serves humanity and is for the building of humanity, it has dignity and it has worth.”

– Dr. King to the AFSCME Memphis Sanitation Strike, April 3, 1968