Monday, January 18, marks the 35th anniversary of the federal holiday that honors the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (His actual birthday occurs on January 15.) Signed into law in 1983 and first observed in 1986, the holiday is a deserving tribute to King for advancing civil rights and social justice through nonviolent protest. "In 2021, 53 years after King’s death . . . the protests against police brutality and the demonstrations in support of Black Lives are a powerful reminder that the United States has yet to fulfill its promise to Black Americans. King’s closing words at the Bishop Charles Mason Temple the night before his death captures the purpose and meaning of Black protest and sacrifice. 'I might not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promised land.' On this MLK Day let us all re-dedicate ourselves to building a promised land where Black protest and sacrifice are not a requirement to live in the United States." … [Read more...]