Today, we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and leadership.

Dr. King changed the composition of our democracy for the better and pushed this country to live up to its promise. His work pushed the Civil Rights movement forward and changed the course of our history.

Each year, this day reminds us of how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go to achieve true equality in America.

So today isn’t just about remembering the past. It’s about continuing Dr. King’s fight for justice and equal opportunity. As history and Dr. King’s legacy tell us, only light can drive out darkness.

Today, I encourage each of us to honor his legacy not just with words, but with action and volunteerism.

- Kirsten Gillibrand