Friend,

Each year, on the third Monday of January, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for his unparalleled fight for racial equality, civil rights, and voting rights in the United States. This year, we're observing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the aftermath of an attempted coup in our Capitol -- a coup fueled at its core by an effort to suppress and discard the votes and voices of Black Americans.

The attack was a visceral reminder of how far we have yet to come to build the society that Dr. King envisioned. Hate is still a tragically powerful force in America, and when a mostly white mob of rioters faces less police resistance than what Black Lives Matter protesters faced in Lafayette Park last summer, it's clear that grave inequities remain in the criminal justice system.

Yet I have hope. The calls for justice that changed the conversation last year have not been silenced. New voices in local and federal office are poised to help lead the way forward -- including the pastor of the very church Dr. King once led. I am more committed than ever to continuing Dr. King’s work for justice and equity in as many ways as possible, including protecting and restoring voting rights, ending for-profit private prisons, and decriminalizing the possession of marijuana.

This year in particular, it's important to reflect on Dr. King’s dedication to his mission, his undying belief in peace, and his courageous message. I'm reminded in particular of these words of his:

“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.”

Today, let us all recommit to making his words a reality.

Sincerely,

Jennifer