Remember What MLK Died for

Today as we solemnly commemorate the tragic death of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we remember why we must continue to stand up for civil rights and the union movement and carry on his dream of social and economic equality for persons of every color, gender and religion in America.

Dr. King long understood that civil rights and workers' rights were inseparable. During what would be his last speech at a rally for the sanitation workers in Memphis, he linked the struggles of African Americans and working men and women to gain basic human rights. It was as he prepared to march with the workers, when Dr. King was assassinated on the balcony of his hotel in Memphis, Tennessee.

While our country has witnessed much progress since Dr. King's assassination, we have much work left in the struggle to end poverty and racism in America. In the recent months we have seen attacks on the rights of women, immigrants, and Muslim Americans, in addition to the continuing offensive on the labors' rights to collective bargaining.

As our country tries to move out of recession, we cannot responsibly balance the budget by making scapegoats out of the poor, the unemployed and the voiceless. We should focus on job creation, education, and innovation instead.

As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. King on the day of his assassination, let us remember that Dr. King envisioned a country without prejudice and poverty, in which the people would work together to bridge barriers and overcome challenges. I hope that we can work together to provide equal opportunities so that everyone can succeed and live out their American Dream.