John,

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. joined together with 125,000 men and women to march here in Michigan at the Detroit Walk to Freedom just two months before delivering his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech at the March on Washington.

The rights and equality Dr. King fought for throughout his life are rights we must continue to fight for together as Michiganders, and as Americans. I'm proud to stand with my fellow Michiganders in remembering our state's role in Dr. King's legacy today.

In a time when we’re seeing hateful rhetoric making its way into the mainstream and policies that only seek to divide us, it’s important we remember the struggle for equality that those who came before us fought for -- and why we must never let their work be forgotten.

Today, as always, I’m committed to continuing to honor the legacy of Dr. King and continuing the work to make Michigan a place where all are welcomed and all are afforded the same rights and protections under the law.

Thank you,

Gretchen