Hi there -- today, we remember Martin Luther King Jr. and the seminal influence he had on our society. This year, after more Black and Brown people's deaths due to police brutality, protests against racial inequality, and the recent siege on the United States Capitol led by white supremacists and hate groups, there has never been a more crucial time to remember Martin Luther King Jr. and the racial equality he fought for and eventually died for.

I have been reminded of his words in his Letter from a Birmingham Jail:

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial 'outside agitator' idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an outsider anywhere in this country."

To this day, we see racial injustice each and every day in our society. Black and Brown folks still are killed at alarming rates due to police brutality. Racial discrimination is still seen and felt in the workplace, in the classroom, and everywhere else we turn. And, the devastating virus haunting our world is affecting Black and Brown communities in catastrophic ways. 

With a new President being sworn in on Wednesday, it's time to continue fighting for racial equality. As Martin Luther King Jr. knew all too well, that fight is incumbent on each and every one of us. 

So, please, if you are able, take a few moments of your day to read Martin Luther King Jr.'s profound Letter from a Birmingham Jail and share it with your friends.

Even more importantly, join me in continuing our nation's charge towards racial equality. This requires us all. 

Sincerely,

-- Harley

Harley Rouda serves California's 48th district in Congress. In 2018, Harley defeated the 30-year incumbent Dana Rohrabacher in the very first political campaign of Harley's life. During his time in Congress, he's embraced common sense and values to tackle climate change, address deteriorating infrastructure, confront homelessness, and protect Social Security and Medicare. In 2022, Harley will be facing one of the toughest fights in the entire country, so he's depending on the support of grassroots individuals. If you want to support Harley's re-election, you can donate here. If you'd like to no longer receive emails from his campaign, you can unsubscribe.