On January 15th, we come together to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a prominent leader of the civil rights movement. In a recent statement, San Francisco Mayor London Breed shared her reflections on this significant day, saying, “Today, we honor a leader who brought hope and healing to our nation and the world. He fought against hatred with love, peace, and non-violence.”
Mayor Breed continued to emphasize Dr. King’s profound impact, stating, “During times of violence, he brought peace. In moments of darkness, he illuminated the path forward. When African Americans encountered violence and discrimination, he offered a vision of a brighter future. Despite the resistance and hatred he faced, Dr. King achieved remarkable milestones that have forever shaped our nation. His unwavering commitment was evident; he used love, peace, and non-violence as his powerful tools against hatred.”
This date also marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday during which U.S. markets close in his honor. Scenes of individuals holding portraits of Dr. King serve as a reminder of his lasting influence.
“In our city and across our country, we face challenges repeatedly, but I often think of Dr. King’s wisdom,” Breed reflected. “He said, ‘If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.’ Remembering him encourages us to keep pushing forward.”
The statement reinforced San Francisco’s dedication to upholding Dr. King’s values of equality, love, compassion, and the hope for change, aiming to create a better future for generations to come.
Dr. King was born on January 15, 1929, and the federal government recognizes the third Monday of January as Martin Luther King Jr. Day to celebrate his contributions. Notably, this year, his birthday coincides with the holiday. Dr. King was instrumental in the fight against segregation and is perhaps best remembered for his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech delivered during the March on Washington in August 1963.
