On January 15th, millions of Americans will gather to celebrate the 78th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birth. Each year, thanks to a 1983 federal law that I was proud to vote for, we take the third Monday of January to commemorate Dr. King’s birthday.

In his immortal “I Have a Dream” speech, Dr. King shared his vision of a land where people of every religion, race, and creed could realize the American dream of freedom and opportunity. In the words of Coretta Scott King – who tirelessly carried on her husband’s great work before her death in 2006 – we honor Dr. King’s dream of “a vibrant, multiracial nation that has a place at the table for children of every race and room at the inn for every needy child.” On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we take this opportunity to reflect on the dream of an inclusive society in which all people are truly created equal.

On this day and all year long, Americans share in Dr. King’s extraordinary commitment to improving the lives of others. We remember his dream and take an active role in making it a reality. Throughout our nation, people help those in need: they feed the hungry, house the poor, heal the sick, and offer a guiding hand to at-risk youth.

This week, as we mark the national celebration of Dr. King’s birthday, let us not merely reflect on his work: let us live his legacy. On this Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I ask you to join me in vowing to make Dr. King’s dream a reality. Let us come together and take action to give every American an opportunity to make the dream come true.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator