John, today marks the day Martin Luther King was assassinated.

I was 12 years old at the time, but I remember it like it was yesterday. It was around the same time I began attending an integrated school for the first time. The news of MLK’s death brought about a profound sense of uncertainty.

But instead of giving up on the fight for freedom, we came together to ensure MLK’s legacy would carry on, and that his call for non-violent resistance would lead us to a brighter future.

And today, I’m calling on all of us to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the eternal values of equality, peace, and justice in the name of Martin Luther King.

The 12 year old me hearing the news on that terrible day could never have imagined growing up to serve as your Congresswoman. It’s because of the work of Martin Luther King and so many other brave leaders that helped make it possible. And now I’m dedicated to continuing that work, because it’s far from over.

We’re living at a time when political divisions run deep. But as we continue our mission for justice and equality, I hope you will heed the words of the late Dr. King: “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

Thank you,

Valerie Foushee