It’s been 75 years since Dr. King was born. And though he is no longer with us today in person, his spirit is, and his actions continue to inspire progress. 

According to a recent report by the National Urban League, more African American families have joined the middle class and the number of African American businesses is increasing.  Census Bureau figures indicate that African Americans are graduating from college in greater numbers.

But we still have a long way to go toward achieving Dr. King’s dream. One in 5 children today live in poverty - and 30 percent of those are African Americans. Last year the unemployment rate among African Americans was in the double digits - an unacceptable figure as we move into the new year. 

Dr. King led a lifetime of relentless perseverance to achieve the ultimate goal - equality among all races. In pursuit of this quest, he was jailed. And eventually, he was assassinated for daring to dream - daring to dream that all of us could live in a land free of segregation - a land blind to the color of a person’s skin.

As we commemorate Dr. King’s legacy, I urge all of us to take the time and reflect on Dr. King’s dream and continue to be a part of keeping that dream alive.