Dear John,

Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and as we approach this consequential day of remembrance I am thinking about the connection between the Civil Rights Movement that Dr. King helped lead and today's Black Lives Matter Movement.

Dr. King taught us that "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" and he spent his whole life fighting for a more just society. The Black Lives Matter movement picked up Dr. King's torch and has continued the work to demand justice and accountability.

Just as Dr. King helped inspire millions to march in the Civil Rights Movement, so too has the Black Lives Matter movement inspired a new generation to protest and speak out.

While I am inspired by the similarities between Dr. King and the Black Lives Matter movement, I want to make clear how different both of these movements are from the violent insurrection attempt we saw at our Capitol Building last week. The rioters who stormed the Capitol were trying to undermine our democracy and move our country backward.

One of the best ways we take action to honor the work of Dr. King is through service. Dr. King dedicated his whole life to service, and there are numerous service events going on virtually and across the country this weekend to commemorate his legacy.

The Biden Inaugural Committee has put together a list of service opportunities this weekend. I urge you to get involved and sign up for one of the many National Day of Service opportunities they are offering.

Thank you and have a safe holiday weekend,

Chris