Today, as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s remarkable life and legacy, we pause to reflect on his belief in hope, courage, and justice, even in the darkest of times. Dr. King once said, “Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” His words are particularly poignant as we witness many of our hard-fought civil rights wins be rolled back under the ugly veil of meritocracy and cries of reverse racism. Yet, amid this despair, we must keep our eyes fixed on the light of progress, driven by our collective courage and determination to create a better world for our nation’s students.

As fierce education advocates, we draw inspiration from Dr. King’s genuine call to action — to push, prod, and compel America to rise to her highest ideals. Because those ideals remain true. A nation that is rid of racism and classism will shine because all students — especially students of color and students from low-income communities — are allowed to shine.

As we enter this next moment in history, we are committed to organizing and advocating against injustices and inequalities plaguing our public education system and hindering access to quality higher education. Indeed, Dr. King taught us that change is not inevitable or expedient — it is achieved through persistent effort and a steadfast belief in the power of unity and justice. As such, we will relentlessly work to ensure that every student, every family, and every community has access to the American Dream and the rights our democracy provides.

This year, let us honor Dr. King’s legacy not by merely recycling his quotes but by following his actions. Let us carry forward his vision with boldness and integrity. Together, we can ensure that justice remains our north star.

In solidarity,
Denise Forte