A Memo from the Chair of our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee:

On behalf of the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee and myself, we want to extend a happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day to all christopher employees. Today is a day to be remembered for the legacy of one of the most profound social justice leaders in recent American history, one that has been recognized as such around the world and inspired others to make their voices heard in a peaceful and democratic manner. His words and actions, along with his supporters, changed the course of history in this country in a way that allows for our society to recognize the inequities that stain and inhibit the goals that America fought for. It is important to remember this and so many other reasons why Martin Luther King Jr. has been honored with a federal holiday.

His methodology of peaceful protests for the equal rights of all Americans under the law (especially of African Americans) was tactically genius and the most appropriate way to inform the general population that a societal change was needed to push the country into a more prosperous state. His Dream is something that we as Americans should aspire to work towards and create daily, no matter how large or small the act.  He wanted to open the eyes of Americans and create a mutual understanding and unified vision amongst her citizens. A vision that would allow America to live up to its potential of a great nation that ALL inhabitants can be proud of, a leader of democracy for the world to emulate. He asked for a nation to come together and be just, fair, and filled with opportunities available to all without bias based on skin color.

The strength and courage he displayed in the face of some of the darkest perspectives in society is admirable and has permeated many other social movements that we see in today’s climate. If it wasn’t for his selflessness, I may not be in the position I am today with the ability to talk with my fellow colleagues, so I am thankful every day (especially on this day) for the work he and other social justice leaders took upon themselves by putting their livelihood on the line, for the hope of a better tomorrow, even if they wouldn’t be around to experience it.

I recommend watching (or re-watching) this great American hero’s recorded speeches and interviews. He was eloquent and held deeply American sentiments. His timeless words (still applicable almost 53 years after his tragic assassination) invigorate me to be a better, more understanding American and empathetic human-being. My dream (a derivative of King’s) is that others can feel personally inspired to improve the lives of others through civil and non-violent practices, and we can definitively say our country is better today than it was yesterday.

Best,

Will Ramsey, Project Planner
Chair, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee

Recommended Resources:

“The March” 2013 narrated by Denzel Washington (PBS):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xsbt3a7K-8

How Martin Luther King Jr. Wrote ‘I Have A Dream’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIZLJMOhQCE&feature=youtu.be