Office of Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez 

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

As this Martin Luther King Jr. holiday comes to a close, I believe it is important for us all to reflect upon how his courageous life impacts us today, and how we can continue to walk in the path he laid out for so many.

Through his tireless efforts, Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was able to inspire an entire country to recognize the plight of millions of people gripped by terror in the south and treated as second class citizens throughout the country. It was his unwavering commitment to racial, social, economic and human justice that led to the end of segregation and a recognition by the forces of oppression that their work would no longer go unopposed.

To this day, he continues to inspire so many to stand up to similar oppression; whether that oppression be racial, economic or social, his words and actions continue to spark resistance to all those struggling for justice. 

Today, his dedicated work resonated in New York City as workers who face a struggle for economic justice took part in a bold act of civil disobedience. Over a dozen airport workers from LaGuardia Airport were arrested today to bring light to their fight for a living wage and the dignity that they deserve. They were joined by myself and close to 20 elected officials and faith leaders who recognize that anyone who works a full time job in New York City should not live near or under the poverty line. 

As Martin Luther King Jr. was killed supporting African American sanitation workers who faced similar conditions: low wages, no benefits, no paid sick days, no paid vacation, etc., we channeled his spirit into our efforts today and are hopeful that this action contributes to a real change for so many struggling workers.

It was Dr. King who said, "The arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice," and in that spirit, we did some bending of our own today.

Happy Martin Luther King Day to you all and may you make your own bends whenever possible.

Sincerely,

Ydanis Rodriguez

Council Member, Northern Manhattan