The celebration of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday is one of the most meaningful observances that we share in the United States. While we have made progress from the time of Dr. King’s time here on Earth, the mission remains unfinished to address the causes to which he gave his life: racial equality, economic opportunity, eradication of poverty, and ending wars. We still have work to do and on MLK Day, in our way, we can take a moment to reflect on how we can work towards Dr. King’s goals.

This holiday – which I see as a “day on, not a day off” – allows us to recommit to the values of our nation and in every segment of our population calls us to ask as Dr. King did, “Where do we go from here, chaos or community?” I know that what unites us, not just as Democrats, but as Americans, is that our answer to that question is community.

In countless ways, I would not have the great honor and privilege of serving Rhode Islanders in the U.S. House of Representatives if it were not for the civil rights struggle led by Dr. King and his contemporaries in the struggle. I know that is the same for many elected officials, labor leaders, party activists, and committed people who recognize that we are responsible for coming together to build the beloved community of Dr. King’s dream. In my work in Congress, I’m inspired to serve our state in pursuing good wages and fair conditions for workers, affordable housing, gun violence prevention, retirement security, affordable health care, global diplomacy, climate change solutions, and environmental justice.

Now, as our nation is experiencing a transition in power that makes those goals harder, I’m again called to Dr. King’s words: 

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in a time of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

At a time when our country is seemingly divided, this is certainly not the easiest of times to be engaged in the work of politics and government. But this is when our engagement matters the most. I hope that as we observe the holiday this year, we take heart of Dr. King’s call to lead with love – love for our neighbors, state, country, and world:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

Have a reflective and purposeful Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.

- Congressman Gabe Amo

Gabe Amo for Congress
P.O. Box 40457
Providence, RI 02940
United States

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