With unwavering courage and steadfast faith, Dr. King made immeasurable contributions and sacrifices to the movement for civil rights and equality.

As the representative of America’s Civil Rights District where many of the pivotal events of the movement occurred, I take seriously my responsibility to protect and further the legacy of freedom fighters like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In November, we defeated one of the greatest threats to Dr. King’s vision for America -- Donald Trump -- and found a victory in the fight to heal our nation by electing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris to the White House. But as we saw last week when President Trump encouraged his supporters to attack the U.S. Capitol, there is still work to be done to realize Dr. King’s dream of the beloved community.

Today, we should reflect on the issues that continue to define America and consider the debt we owe to Dr. King and all foot soldiers of the civil rights and voting rights movements, known and unknown. I hope you will take time to recommit yourself to answer Dr. King’s call to action by standing up for social and economic equality for all and standing against injustice, inequality, and discrimination. We all have the power to make change.

In solidarity,

Congresswoman Terri Sewell