“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a central figure in the most courageous movement for civil rights of the 20th century. Today, we celebrate his life and his legacy for the progress it has inspired throughout decades of social change. As our country faces difficult questions, it becomes more important than ever to commit ourselves entirely to the fight for equality for all – regardless of gender, race, ethnic background, religion or sexual orientation. It is up to all of us to continue to reject the normalization of prejudice and discrimination. We must encourage one another to replace hate with love, intolerance with acceptance, and division with unity – for, in the immortal words of Dr. King, ‘we must learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools.’ Through doing so, we follow in the footsteps – and honor the memory – of one of America’s greatest leaders.”

###