Dear UMBC Community,

The longstanding legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is about justice, equality, and peace. As we commemorate today in his honor, let us not forget the sacrifices Dr. King made in his fight for racial equality and civil rights to ensure that we all have the ability to be ourselves and to be treated equally, respectfully, and most importantly, humanely.

As Dr. King's words remind us, "Change does not roll on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle." Dr. King embraced an interracial, interfaith, and intercultural approach to forge strong partnerships, bridge divides, and usher in change. This is a roadmap for how we can individually and collectively live out our shared value of inclusive excellence.

As we celebrate a great man and his legacy, I remind us all to endure, persevere, and, above all else, be kind. I also encourage each of us to use today and every day to be in service to others. This was Dr. King's true legacy.

In continued partnership,