A Message from Rep. Emilia Sykes on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Dr. King talked about the danger of staying silent on the things that matter—a sentiment as true today as it was in his time. For too many people, times may have changed, but the story stays the same: disparities in education, health, economic status and within the criminal justice system continue to threaten the next generation of black leaders, innovators, educators and workers.

As our nation’s history shows, America’s success and its victories are only won when we come together and build strong coalitions that challenge convention and inspire greatness. America wins when allies from all walks of life and ethnic and racial backgrounds join together, stand firm, demand change, and refuse to be silent.

With the start of a new General Assembly, we have a unique opportunity to break that silence and deliver real change for communities across our state—if we’re willing to put aside our partisan differences and work together to give a voice to the people whose concerns too often fall through the cracks.

We can do better to bridge our state’s opportunity divide by investing in our children’s education, ensuring every Ohioan has access to quality, affordable healthcare, attracting good-paying jobs and reforming a broken system that incarcerates too many for low-level, nonviolent crimes.

Ultimately, for Ohio to succeed, we all need the opportunity to succeed.

This Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, let’s come together, reflect on the past and look to the future—one where every Ohioan who works hard, regardless of their race or gender, has the opportunity to get ahead and achieve their own dreams.

By rising together to meet today’s challenges we honor the enduring legacy of leaders like Dr. King who stood tall and refused to remain silent, fighting to change our nation for the better.

Together, we too can dare our great nation to be even greater.

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

-Rep. Emilia Sykes