Each year Americans observe a special day to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and to reflect on his values and activism. More than a holiday, this day is meant to challenge us to engage in citizenship, service, and volunteerism in honor of the great civil rights leader.
This year the challenge of MLK Day comes at the start of an election cycle that has already driven a wedge between communities and religions.
Dr. King led by example at a time of even greater challenges to the unity of the United States. He inspired a movement by drawing on global struggles as well as America’s founding values of freedom, equality and justice.
As we set out to achieve the Global Goals to end extreme poverty, we need political leaders in the United States who remember and follow the example of Dr. King when it comes to rejecting the politics of hate.
Instead of conducting a respectful debate, some candidates have already invoked sensationalist and hateful rhetoric, predicated on fear. While these methods might lead to higher poll ratings, they do not create an informed and thoughtful debate on the critical issues that matter to global citizens.
Today, on MLK Day, join us in our act of citizenship as we call on these candidates to reject politics that discriminate based on race, gender, or religion, and choose instead a path of understanding.
The act of global citizenship starts at home. Join us in telling our politicians that strengthening mutual respect across party and cultural lines will allow Americans to stay united as we fight to end extreme poverty the world over.
As Dr. King said in 1967, “What is needed is a realization that power without love is reckless and abusive...Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love. And this is what we must see as we move on.”
At the start of a pivotal election year, go to TAKE ACTION NOW to call on all candidates regardless of political party, gender, race or religion, to honor Martin Luther King Jr. in rejecting hate and choosing love.