Dear Colleagues,
As we take time to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this coming Monday, Jan. 20, I want to reflect on the enduring lessons he left us—lessons of tolerance, compassion, and non-violent action as powerful tools for justice and unity. Dr. King believed in the transformative power of peaceful change, even in the face of profound adversity. His unwavering commitment to these principles inspires us today as we navigate a world still grappling with natural disasters, division, and uncertainty.
Dr. King once said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy" (Strength to Love, 1963). His words remind us that it is in difficult times that our values are truly tested, and it is through deliberate, thoughtful action that we create lasting progress. In our roles as public servants, we have the privilege and responsibility to live out these ideals—working together across differences, listening with empathy, and working towards equitable public health progress that uplifts all people.
In today’s world, Dr. King’s emphasis on tolerance and non-violence illuminates a path forward when many feel the acute sting of a once-again uncertain future. Non-violence is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of justice and understanding, of compassion and patience against adversity. Dr. King’s leadership in the Civil Rights Movement showed that change born of mutual respect and peaceful action has the power to reshape society.
As you reflect on this holiday, I encourage you to consider how his legacy can inform our own work and interactions. Let us renew our commitment to patience, dialogue, and purposeful action, knowing that every step toward understanding brings us closer to a more just and inclusive society.
Thank you for your dedication, perseverance, and the thoughtful service you provide every day. Together, we can continue to build on Dr. King’s dream and move toward a future shaped by his vision of dignity, respect, and opportunity for all.
With gratitude,
Commissioner Juthani