“As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. tonight and this week, it is important we remember that in the face of widespread condemnation and reactionary vitriol, Dr. King pursued policies that, while not popular during his lifetime, were rooted in peace and justice.

At the time of his death, Dr. King was unpopular for his anti-poverty work and his criticism of the slow pace of progress toward equality. But we know – he was right. And if we want to emulate his example, we should be looking to stand with and work for the most vulnerable in our society and be willing to be unpopular in OUR time.

Reverend King was confident in his cause because he had faith in God, and because he believed that “the moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends towards justice.” He probably didn't foresee us celebrating his birthday as we have been for the past few decades.

If we want to make lasting change, we need to have confidence derived from moral clarity and act from that place, without the expectation that we will be praised for it.

As we celebrate the brilliant and too short life of Dr. King, let us all continue to commit to standing with and working for the most vulnerable, even if unpopular, and for peace, and justice in our time.”