Monday, January 17, 2022 is the observance of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In his book, "Strength to Love," Dr. King poses the following: "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" While COVID has prevented us, yet again, from having a Day of Service that allows us to partner with the community, there is a way for you to serve and use your voice for others.
This year, Dr. King's family requested that there be "no celebration" on January 17th if Congress had not passed the voting rights legislation, a combined Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. Earlier today, and in preparation of the impending vote, The Washington Post hosted a Race in America segment focused on voting rights with Martin Luther King III, the late civil rights leader’s eldest son and the chair of the Drum Major Institute. In the segment, Mr. King discussed his push around voting rights, what he thinks Congress should do about the filibuster, and the lessons from his father’s enduring legacy. Click here for the transcript of the segment.
Although the legislation passed in the House on Thursday, it was set to go before the Senate today, as an embattled fight with requested changes and possible defeat based on needed votes. COVID (positive cases among senators) and the expected snow storm in DC were given as the reasons to delay the vote until Tuesday.
So, what can we do? It's not too late to email your state senator with your concerns. If you are not already, please register to vote and encourage those in your family/friend circle and community to register as well. When the next election comes, help get people to the polls or complete absentee ballots. No matter our political affiliation, voting is our right, one means to have our voices heard, and we should promote and protect this very important right.
We are SALUS...and we serve. Again, in the words of Dr. King, "Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve." Go be GREAT!
Happy Birthday, Dr. King! Never to be forgotten.
In service,
Special Assistant to the President for DEI
Today’s world is filled with challenges, from the pandemic to societal issues we confront daily. As we begin today’s remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I ask that we all reflect on the lessons he taught though the life he lived. The tenets of righteousness, equality, justice, and nonviolence were central to his messages. For those of us in healthcare it becomes an imperative that we attempt to embrace these tenets and meet the challenges presented to us head on in our daily and professional lives.
I encourage you to carve out seventeen minutes today to watch Dr. King’s “I have a dream” speech. I suspect, while we’ve all heard of it, many have never listened to the entire speech. I suspect you will be moved.
Have a great day. Stay safe, stay focused and remain SALUS STRONG! In the image of Dr. King.
