Today we pause from our normal schedules to honor, remember, and celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man who first called upon his community, then his nation, and finally the world, to recognize the dignity of each and every person. He spoke out for justice in America and brought hope to millions.
He did these things, he dreamed these things, because he was blessed to see the true potential of humanity. He faced doubts from without and within; he faced violence and hatred, and in the end, he faced an assassin's bullet.
But the vision he shared with millions, the hope he ignited in people, the dream he dreamed for us all, did not die with him. It has lived on for generations and will continue to do so as long as we work to keep that dream alive.
Last week, I had the great honor of being sworn in once again as the state representative from Texas' 100th House District. Had it not been for the work of Dr. King and those whom he inspired, that opportunity would not have been possible for someone like me.
In honor of this great man and his legacy, my legislative offices will be closed today. I hope that you will join me and my family in taking a moment to reflect upon how far we have come as a people, and the many reasons we have to keep up Dr. King's struggle. Here is one reminder I witnessed last week on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives.
Finally, I thought I would share a quote from Dr. King that means so much to me as I work to serve the people of my district and all of Texas:
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"
