John,

Today is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – a day to reflect on the life and legacy of Dr. King. 

During the final speech Dr. King gave the day before his assassination in Memphis, he asked his allies and supporters to adopt a mindset of “dangerous unselfishness.”

To me, what this means is that in the fight for progress, we must put the needs of others above our own fears, be courageous and empathetic in our daily interactions, and keep our sights set on battling injustice in all of its forms – whether or not we are personally impacted by those injustices.

Like King, we must engage in meaningful conversations with our neighbors and friends about racial injustice. In a state like Vermont that is overwhelmingly white, it is particularly important that we have uncomfortable conversations, hold our friends and acquaintances accountable for their behavior and impact, and speak out in our communities about the injustices we see. 

Our words are important. Our actions, both large and small, will always be important. You are important. And Dr. King’s teaching tells us that we all have a role to play in the pursuit of justice. 

Take a moment to reflect on how you can use your privilege to speak up about injustice in your community today. And before you go, please take a moment to watch Dr. King’s final speech “I’ve been to the mountaintop” here – it’s one of the most powerful speeches ever given. 

Yours in progress,

Rep. Becca Balint