Celebrating the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr

These three reflections of Martin Luther King Day come from Public Advocate James,  Bronx Assemblyman Sepulveda, and Brooklyn City Council member Williams

.Friends,

Today, Americans from coast to coast are honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

We're doing so because our country - and our world - would not be the same without Dr. King's unmatched success in advancing civil rights and equal opportunity. 

Whether it's racial justice, economic justice, or criminal justice, Dr. King's example is not academic. It's a road-map for us to expand fairness for ourselves, our communities and our country. It's a call to action for all of us.

But, just as Dr. King didn't march alone, we too must act with arms locked, heads held high, and a gaze towards a brighter tomorrow where opportunity is present and prosperity shared.

May this day inspire us to recommit ourselves to work together for the betterment of all.

Sincerely,

 

   A civil rights leader, community activist, humanitarian and Nobel Laureate, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. remains a remarkable and influential figure. As we observe Martin Luther King  Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19, it is important to remember Dr. King’s legacy and how we can continue to honor it with our actions. In the words of Dr. King himself, “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” It is up to us as individuals to follow his lead and embrace his values as we work for the betterment of others and our community as a whole. 

Addressing inequality ingrained in society, Dr. King gave a voice to those who needed it the most, tirelessly advocating for civil rights and social justice. He encouraged change through peace and discourse, respect and unity, and he remained committed to these principles. In 1964, Dr. King became, at the time, the youngest recipient of the Noble Peace Prize. His work was integral to the passage of such landmark legislation as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Though his life was cut tragically short in 1968, his philosophy and vision live on.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” said Dr. King. These words ring as true today as they did nearly 50 years ago. Although strides have been made in the fight for equality and social and economic justice throughout our state and our nation, there are still many problems we cannot ignore. As Dr. King said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” In facing and dealing with these issues head on, we must act as Dr. King did. By acknowledging our problems and working together, we can enact positive change and restore trust. Only by working together, can we achieve this important work.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not only a time to reflect on the tremendous achievements of a remarkable man and national hero, but also a day to think about our own actions and how we can contribute to bringing Dr. King’s vision to life today. It’s a vision to embrace as we address those concerns of humanity and rise above the differences that divide us.

Your Assemblyman,

Luis R. Sepulveda

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK OFFICE OF COUNCIL MEMBER  JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS

Council Member Jumaane D. Williams (D-Brooklyn), Deputy Leader and Chair of the Council's Housing and Buildings Committee, released the following statement on the occasion of the 29th celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

  "Dr. King once said 'Our goal is to create a beloved community and this will require a qualitative change in our souls as well as a quantitative change in our lives.' As our City addresses difficult social issues affecting communities of more color, those words spoken half a century ago couldn't be more applicable to our lives today. Dr. King's agitation and resistance against systemic injustice helped point America in the direction of peace, healing and unity. To celebrate his life and legacy, I encourage community members to see the powerful film 'Selma,' which reminds us that we must all strive to advance his work on civil rights for those in our own communities and beyond. Let us not use this day to sanitize Dr. King's message, but instead, use it to remember that we cannot be afraid to stand up and stand out for what's right. Only then will we reach the mountaintop that he envisioned for all of us."