“Free at last, Free at last, Thank God almighty we are free at last.”

Today we pause to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Honoring his legacy requires each of us to take a long hard look at what we are doing to ensure that civil rights gains made during his lifetime are not overturned. Many of you will commit acts of service to honor Dr. King on the federal holiday, but those acts of service cannot be the last thing you do this year in the fight for justice.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

We are living in dangerous times. Silence in the presence of racist leaders is dangerous. Inaction in the presence of injustice is dangerous. Making excuses for evil men (and women) is dangerous. Refusing to protest against hate is dangerous. Ignoring a boycott of the NFL because ‘I love the game too much,’ is dangerous. Sitting on the sidelines of one of the most critical times in our country’s history is not only dangerous, it is unacceptable.

“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.”

I hope I am preaching to the choir and you have a detailed plan to fight against the racist tide that threatens to undermine our democracy. If you have benefitted from the work of the late Dr. King, and I submit EVERYONE has benefitted from his work, then let today be a day you expand your commitment to justice.

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

We must double our efforts to ensure that our democracy works for everyone. We must be vigilant in our efforts to protect the right to register to vote and volunteer to help people get to the polls on election day. We must give to the organizations advocating for the issues we care deeply about. We must sign petitions, march and raise hell so that those seeking to silence our voices and limit our influence, hear loud and clear that we are here and we intend to make an impact.

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

Sisters, we are the cornerstone of movements that create change. Don’t be afraid to live fully into this power. Talk to your friends about things that really matter in your community like the quality of the schools, transportation and better-paying jobs. Pay close attention to what your member of Congress is doing and let him/her know what you think about their actions.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

Celebrate and honor Dr. King with your service today and your lifetime commitment to justice so that his legacy is fulfilled for generations to come.

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

Yours in the struggle,

Stephanie

Founder and President

WE CAN