Tributes to civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. were held in the Unites States nationwide, on Monday January 15, 2018. The day was marked by massive marches, protests, and statements from various groups, politicians, activists, and individuals. The focus of protests ranged from condemning controversial policies, to the treatment of minorities and people of color, and to statements by policitians, especially the recent alleged statements by President Trump, referring to African countries, Haiti and El Salvador as "shitholes." On #MLKDay, we must recommit ourselves to fighting for the causes that defined his life and work — including voting rights, police and community relations, our criminal justice system, and economic opportunity," tweeted US Senator Kamara Harris, from California, who is rumored to be considering a run in 2020 Presidential elections,.
The life and times of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. cannot be summarized in an article, a book, or tomes. However, the marches, statements, and the events commemorating Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. day and all the Civil Rights movement leaders and activists, highlight what his vision and actions have accomplished and the momentous task still ahead.
"Today we celebrate the memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man who worked tirelessly to fight so Americans could have a better future and achieve equality. Dr. King’s legacy inspires us all to continue to advocate for a more just United States of America, ' tweeted Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro.
The dream of getting people from all backgrounds together to live in harmony in search of a common good was summarized in the tweet by Colorado representative Diana DeGette:
"I joined a diverse group of Coloradans to once again participate in Denver's annual #Marade. Dr. King would be proud of our community -- a vibrant patchwork of cultures working together for the common good. Let's continue striving to realize his dream of justice and equality"
Bernice King, the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., honored her father telling the worshipers at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta
“We cannot allow the nations of the world to embrace the words that come from our President as a reflection of the true spirit of America . We are one people. We are one nation. We are one humanity. One blood. One destiny and as already been said all of civilization and humanity originated from the soils of Africa...Now I think you would agree that in light of the current state of affairs in this nation and in this world, we desperately need my father's voice, his teachings and his love for humanity."
