What We Can Learn from Dr. Martin Luther King in 2018
Yesterday, on the 50th anniversary of his death, people across the country celebrated the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and contemplated the impact of his teachings on our lives today.
Dr. King’s legacy is one of love and determination. He dedicated his life to empowering communities, eradicating discrimination, and dismantling broken systems of power. This journey brought his sermons of activism and justice to North Carolina on several occasions. Then as now, our community leaders were fighting to make our state more equal and prosperous for all those who call it home.
Today, Dr. King’s dream continues to push us forward. His fight is still as relevant in 2018 as it was 50 years ago. North Carolina Democrats are dedicated to upholding the principles he preached — love, kindness, respect, and of the utmost, equality.
We are working to strengthen the voices of our minority communities by fighting broken systems of power, such as reforming our criminal justice system and standing against gerrymandered districts that disproportionately target people of color.
We are on the front-lines opposing any legislation that weakens access to the ballot box or singles out in name or practice communities of color, including decreasing early voting periods and requiring ID at the polls.
We are supporting economic investment from the mountains to the coast, including bringing new resources and relief to main street businesses owned by people of color, and we are advocating for a strong public education system where every student has access to the opportunities they deserve, no matter their zip code.
We are working to ensure that everyone, especially communities of color, have access to the health care they deserve by expanding Medicaid and offering help — not prison sentences — to those suffering from addiction.
Finally, North Carolina Democrats are supporting the most diverse group of candidates ever and helping young people get involved. Seventy-one Democrats of color are running for state legislature, each working to ensure that all communities are represented and have a voice in our state government, while our HBCU fellowship program will help our students get their first start in politics. We believe our representatives and party should look like the people they represent.
Dr. King is an icon not only to the African-American community, but to all Americans who believe that a just and equal society is worth fighting for. North Carolina Democrats will continue to learn from his teachings and honor his legacy as we strive to build a North Carolina that works for everyone.
