Page 30 - MLK 2024 Booklet

January 15, 2024

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan
P.O. Box 24112
Lansing, Michigan 48909

Dear Friends,

I am pleased to join the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission of Mid-Michigan
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in welcoming you to the 38 annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration. I would also like to
welcome keynote speaker Ruby Bridges, and give special recognition and thanks to Commission
Chairperson Elaine J. Hardy and Commission members for their hard work and effort to make this much
anticipated annual celebration possible.

I applaud this year’s theme of “The measure of a country’s greatness is its ability to retain
compassion in times of crisis”, spoken by Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American to be
confirmed as a justice of the Supreme Court. Marshall spent much of his legal career – including his 24
years on the bench – with courage challenging racial prejudice and discrimination and defending civil
rights, and laid a significant legal foundation for Dr. King’s efforts.

As we reflect on Dr. King’s work, we honor him not only for the lessons he taught us and the
important change he inspired, but for the deep-seeded love he held for our country and its future. His
dream was a nation and a world that never stops striving to be better, despite the inevitable adversities
and challenges we may face. We can never lose sight of that dream that Dr. King instilled in us all.

Dr. King once said, “Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just
take the first step.” Right now, truth, democracy and equal treatment under the law – three pillars of Dr.
King’s legacy – are all under attack in communities across our country. This is why, as we honor his life
and legacy this MLK Day, we must do so by recommitting ourselves to service, and standing against
injustice for those without a voice. Furthermore, as we work to fight against injustices like
misinformation, voter suppression, and racial disparities, we must do so by taking that first step in faith,
together.

Once again, I appreciate the opportunity to welcome you to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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Commission of Mid-Michigan’s 38 annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration. I wish you
all a memorable and inspirational event, and look forward to our continued work together.

Sincerely,
M

Gary C. Peters
United State Senator

30 • 39th Annual MLK Day of Celebration