Friend,

Today, as we celebrate and reflect on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I remember his advice on confronting challenging times and circumstances. He said "The ultimate measure of a man [person] is not where he [s/he] stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he [s/he] stands at times of challenge and controversy."

If there is anyone who has the moral standing to help us understand the courage and strength it takes to press on toward a goal in the face of marshaled resistance, it would be Dr. King. From him, generations have learned how to be a stalwart in the face of adversity and, most importantly, how to focus on the desired goal. This year, as always, we will put on courage and stand with determination as we identify creative ways to continue to give our students the higher education opportunities they deserve and to support our HBCUs.

Dr. King showed us the power and impact of sincere service. He led us to recognize our own self-worth and to respect the dignity and value of others. He asked us to put our beliefs and behaviors on the line for the goal of equality for all people. He left us a roadmap for true service and a clear vision of achievable goals.

On April 25, 2024, UNCF celebrated 80 years of service. For decades now, UNCF has worked with like minds to allow talented African American students in college to express their belief in their own self-worth, value and capacity to learn, graduate and become specialists in their chosen fields. We have encouraged, supported and guided our students toward lives of service and support in this nation. We have recognized their equality and driven them to act on it.

Thank you, Dr. King, for sharing your thoughts and ideas, for serving us and for your sacrifice. We will not forget.

UNCF, our 37 member HBCUs and the over 60,000 students we serve each year remember and honor his legacy, his work and his ultimate sacrifice.

Sincerely,