Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time we set aside to remember an American hero who committed his life to the struggle for civil rights and equality under the law for Black Americans.

I believe we can continue to keep Dr. King's memory alive by striving for the ideals that he championed for his entire life. Many of the important lessons he taught us still resonate deeply today -- and many of the causes he fought for are battles we're still fighting right now, more than 50 years after his passing.

We're still fighting for a criminal justice system that treats everyone equally regardless of their skin color or wealth.

We're still fighting to expand voting rights and ensure every American has equal access to the polls.

We're still fighting for higher wages and a health care system that provides affordable coverage to everyone.

We're still fighting for quality public schools and affordable housing in every neighborhood.

And we're still fighting for safe communities that are spared from the tragedy of gun violence.

These are all battles that we must not stop fighting.

Throughout his life, Dr. King often spoke about the "beloved community." At a point in our history where we're so deeply divided, we must bring forth a spirit of radical love -- a defiant love -- that channels our better angels and overcomes despair with hope. If we can do this, we'll move closer and closer to realizing the inclusive and just society that Dr. King so boldly envisioned.

If we unite by turning our common pain into a common purpose, there are no limits to what we can accomplish together.

I challenge you to find some time today to perform an act of service in your community -- however big or small it may seem. Then, continue the work. Be an agent of change that helps bring us closer to justice and equality.

Let us aspire to live up to the extraordinary legacy of Dr. King today and every day thereafter.

Together, we will make the dream real.

Sincerely,
Cory

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Paid for by Cory Booker for Senate.