Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not just a day off work. It’s a day where we remember the life and legacy of Dr. King, and recognize how crucial it is to continue his work at this moment. 

 

More than six decades after Dr. King began his work for racial equity, we have indeed made progress. But many of the same issues he was protesting about in the 60’s linger today. 

 

People of color — Black folks in particular — are being targeted with voter suppression tactics and laws. In every sector: healthcare, housing, jobs, criminal justice, systemic racism continues to harm Black people. 

 

Things have gotten better since the civil rights movement, even when it’s in painful increments. But every small victory was made because folks decided to stand up and fight for them. History will judge us in this crucial moment by how we acted. 

 

I will never stop fighting to ensure every person in this country is given equal rights under the law. I hope you’ll join me in that fight. 

 

Thank you, 

Hank Johnson