Today, January 17, we honor the life and achievements of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a world famous civil rights leader who advocated to end racial segregation^[1]. This holiday was originally established in 1983 as a federal holiday, marking the birthday of Dr. King and a national day of service. Dr. King exuded great bravery and leadership when confronting injustices and inciting non-violent protests throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s, as part of the Civil Rights Movement.

His accomplishments were numerous: including leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was in response to the famous arrest of Rosa Parks; directing the Birmingham Campaign, which took place in one of the most racially divided cities in America at the time; and being instrumental in the March on Washington, one of the largest political rallies for human rights in history, with over 250,000 participants. On August 28, 1963, he delivered the infamous “I Have a Dream” speech, which was responsible for fueling the Civil Rights Movement, giving hope to many in one of the darkest times in American history.

In 1968, King was assassinated by a known racist in Memphis, Tennessee, where he had traveled to support Black union workers who were striking for better wages and fair treatment. The assassination led to riots across the country. Political leaders encouraged Americans to continue King's ideal of nonviolence.

[1] https://www.britannica.com/topic/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-Day

“People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don’t know each other; they don’t know each other because they have not communicated with each other.”

Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn covering Ditmas Park, Flatbush, East Flatbush and Midwood. She is currently the Chair of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), Chair of the Task Force on Women's Issues and serves on the following committees: Housing, Government Operations, Education, Banks, Health, and Higher Education. She also sits on Governor Hochul's Domestic Violence Advisory Council and Mayor Adams MWBE Task Force.

As a current Assemblymember, District Leader, and Chair of Brooklyn Democratic Party, Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn has been an outspoken advocate on issues concerning immigration, education, economic development, unemployment, education reform, health care access, senior citizen centers, affordable housing, school safety, women's and LGBTQ rights, as well as other issues affecting the quality of life in the community.