Lindenhurst, NY - January 15, 2016 - “Signed into law in January of 1983 by President Ronald Reagan, the national Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday is a celebration of Dr. King’s immeasurable contribution to the United States, and to humankind. Dr. King’s example motivated people around the globe to confront injustice nonviolently during one of the darkest periods in American history and still inspires us to fulfill his vision of making our world a better place. This holiday honors the courage of a man who on a daily basis endured harassment, threats, beatings, and even bombings. We commemorate the man who went to jail 29 times to achieve freedom for others, and who knew there was a possibility he would pay the ultimate price for his leadership, but kept on marching and protesting and organizing anyway. The holiday honors the life, legacy and contributions of America’s greatest champion of racial justice and equality, the leader who not only dreamed of a color-blind society, but who also led a non-violent movement that achieved historic reforms to help make it a reality.
Dr. King once said that we all have to decide whether we “will walk in the light of creative altruism or the darkness of destructive selfishness. Life’s most persistent and nagging question, he said, is `what are you doing for others?’” His words encourage us to think about our role in society and how we can help make the world a better place. In honor of Dr. King’s legacy, we observe this day as an occasion to recommit ourselves to the fight for social justice and equality for all. The holiday is a time when our nation pauses to remember Dr. King’s life and work, but also to honor his legacy by making the holiday a day of community service.
Today, we face challenges like those that fueled Dr. King’s dream for the future of America. As we strive for criminal justice and educational reforms in New York State, it’s important that we embrace his values and remember his legacy. Dr. King believed in providing all people with equal opportunities to succeed, and here in New York we know that begins with a quality education. That’s why I’ve been working hard to invest in our schools and give educators the support they need to help our children learn and grow. With an eye toward the future, I’ll keep fighting so that all New Yorkers have equal access to quality health care, good-paying jobs and a livable wage, because Long Island families deserve a chance to achieve a higher quality of life.”