Remembering a Great Leader

It is always a privilege to come together as a community to celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who is one of our nation’s greatest heroes. This year’s commemoration, held at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Providence, was another inspiring experience. I joined Reverend Carl Balark, MLK Holiday Commission Chairman Raymond Hull, Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, and Congressman David Cicilline for this annual event.

Dr. King’s words were powerful, reminding us to stand together in the face of injustice, but it was his actions in support of peace and equality that make him a true inspiration. I believe that if we can unite as a community, and live the message that Dr. King preached, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges. We face many obstacles here in Rhode Island and across the country, but by living out Dr. King’s legacy, we can create an environment of trust and cooperation.

Dr. King told us, “The time is always right to do what is right.” There is ample opportunity to enact change in our communities, and this celebration was a welcome reminder of the important lessons we all must apply to our daily lives.