John,

In my household growing up, it was expected that as soon as we could walk, we’d be marching for justice. My dad, Lucien, was the President of the Illinois chapter of the NAACP, and my parents were the owners and publishers of a local Black newspaper. They taught us early the importance of raising our voices to stand up for what’s right.

I joined my parents in rallies and protests all over during the fight for racial justice in the 1960s – including the famous 1963 March on Washington, led by none other than Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. himself.

On that day, I witnessed history being made. Alongside other legendary civil rights leaders, Dr. King delivered his famous “I Have A Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial with over 250,000 people watching. His words altered the conscience of America, changing our country permanently for the better.

Heroes like Dr. King, John Lewis, my parents, and the civil rights activists of the past generation paved the way for people who look like me to reach new heights. They sacrificed and suffered so much in the fight for their cause. I’m forever grateful and inspired by their legacy.

Now, amid my third term in the House of Representatives, it’s my mission to continue the work they started and use my platform to make this country a better, more equitable place. One of my favorite quotes from Dr. King is, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” I refuse to back down in my efforts to end gun violence, defend voting rights, and protect reproductive freedom.

I’ll be spending today reflecting on Dr. King’s life and legacy. I hope you’ll join me in considering what you can do in your community to make a difference,

With love,
Lucy McBath