“Today is the 50th anniversary of the historic March on Washington. The fact that Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s vision is being marked by the first African-American President reminds us all of the power of his words and the collective efforts of the hundreds of thousands of individuals who joined his call for equal rights and opportunities for all Americans.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., addressing the crowd and the nation, spoke of a time when peace would reign and when compassion and understanding between all races would be a reality. He taught us that violence never brings permanent peace, hate never brings ever-lasting change, and only compassion, civility, and togetherness will rebuild a broken community.

Today is a reminder that if we recommit ourselves to the vision spoken of on that historic day that assured voting rights, equality, opportunity, fair pay, education and equal justice for all, we can achieve the beloved community embraced by Dr. King.”

Click here to view the official press release.