Folks,

Today, we pause to remember the life and legacy of a civil rights icon, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Through his tireless activism and deep commitment to justice, Dr. King inspired our nation and our world to fulfill the promise of freedom and equality for all - regardless of the color of their skin.

Dr. King named three evils in America: the evil of racism, the evil of poverty, and the evil of militarism.

These evils still exist today. Racism and white supremacy still plague our nation, too many Americans remain trapped in poverty, and our country is caught in a cycle of violence and endless war.

While we have come far thanks to Dr. King and all those who sacrificed so much during the Civil Rights Movement, it is more apparent than ever that we still have a long way to go to achieve civil rights, freedom, and justice for all.

The evil of racism: Over 400 years ago, the first enslaved Africans arrived in Virginia, starting one of the darkest chapters in American history. During the course of more than 250 years of slavery in America, families were ripped apart; people were beaten and brutalized; men, women, and children were sold and traded like objects. And to this day, black communities continue to suffer from the generational trauma caused by these crimes against humanity.

It's past time to address the damage caused by the inhumanity of slavery, uplift the descendants of those who were enslaved, and stop this Administration from separating families at the border.

The evil of poverty: Poverty also still plagues our nation, and I know the devastation that poverty continues to have on our communities. Make no mistake: the Trump Administration's continued attacks on vital programs like SNAP and Medicare will only make this worse.

As the Chair of the Majority Leader's Task Force on Poverty and Opportunity, I will keep fighting to make Dr. King's dream a reality for everyone. In the richest nation on earth, no one should have to worry about affording food, health care, or housing.

The evil of militarism: We cannot continue down the dangerous path towards war with Iran that President Trump has set our nation on. For far too long, our government has prioritized aggressive military action over diplomacy and peace-building.

After 19 years of endless war, we have seen the results of those policies across the Middle East. It is time to return to the negotiating table and, as Dr. King said, use peaceful means to achieve peaceful ends.

We cannot be silent in the face of hate, bigotry, and staggering inequality. Now more than ever, I am reminded of Dr. King's work to promote peace for all people.

Dr. King was our drum major for peace and justice, and today, I hope that his life and work will inspire people across the country and around the world. We must keep his legacy alive by working for peace and justice for all.

Thanks for joining me in this fight.

In solidarity,

Barbara Lee

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