WASHINGTON — While threats to the United States’ multi-racial democracy are unyielding, Race Forward today honors Martin Luther King’s legacy and urges the public to follow in his steps.

“Today, Race Forward joins the world reflecting on the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.,” said Glenn Harris, president of Race Forward. “His life and the lessons he shared are ever relevant today, and they guide us in our mission to advance a just, democratic society where all of America’s residents have the opportunity to prosper.  

“Despite these tumultuous times—when those working for justice are facing threats, investigations, and pushback; when American citizens are being terrorized, deported, and even killed; and when the country’s infrastructure for the promotion and protection of civil rights is being dismantled, framing the very work of equity as “illegal,” we are not giving up. As Dr. King told the Board of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, ‘The problems of racial injustice and economic injustice cannot be solved without a radical redistribution of political and economic power.’

Heeding these words, those who stand for justice must never stop in the face of opposition. Whether by offering training, education, and resources, by uplifting narratives of who Americans really are, or by working with communities and public institutions to win governing power, we push forward to protect democracy. 
 
“If you believe in what Martin Luther King, Jr. advocated for, we welcome you to join us on the path to justice. King accomplished much, but his dream is not yet realized. We lift our voices together to continue this work. We embrace each other as we build a multi-racial democracy in which liberty and justice exist for truly every person.” 

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Race Forward supports communities and public institutions to achieve a just, multiracial democratic society through governance that advances racial justice.