Dear John,
Today, I’d like to share with you a quote that has guided my approach to public service from the very start.
In 1957, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered this line in a sermon at a Baptist church in Alabama:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
To make a difference in our communities, we must lead with compassion – and Dr. King set an outstanding example of how to do just that. In his tireless efforts to work toward a more just and equitable society, he remained steadfast in his love for every person.
Building communities of care is what public service is all about. Today, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating Dr. King’s incredible achievements and honoring his legacy. May we commemorate his life’s work by continuing to fight for a more equitable world!
– Bethany Hall-Long