Today, we honor the life, service, and work of Martin Luther King Jr. – his determination to right injustices and fight for equality should continue to inspire and motivate us all. The ongoing fight for criminal justice reform, the struggle to pass voting rights protections, and the disproportionate impact COVID has had in minority communities all show us how far we have to go to realizing MLK’s vision.

His commitment to his faith inspired my own, and I try each day to lead with my heart as he did. As a retired Lutheran Pastor, my father did the same.

Today, join me in reflecting on what every one of us can do to continue his mission of achieving racial justice in our country – whether that is through volunteering, donating, or another act of service.

We cannot allow divisions based on racism, hate, and violence. As a country, we must learn to celebrate our differences and work to overcome the racial disparities that still plague Wisconsin and the nation.

Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned a world in which his children would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I am pledging to honor Dr. King’s legacy by doing all I can to help achieve his vision of equality for this country, and I hope you will do the same.

– Tom Nelson