WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) issued the following statement commemorating the life, work, and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

“Today, we must recommit ourselves to the ideals for which Dr. King fought and gave his life. To honor the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to service, to equality, and to justice, we too must serve our communities, fight for equality at every turn, and work tirelessly to live up to our nation’s promise of justice for all.

“In New Mexico, our multiculturalism is central to our state’s identity. We know that our diversity makes us stronger: it does not divide us, it defines us. At our best, New Mexico embodies Dr. King’s vision. But the work to achieve true equality remains wholly unfinished, as is especially clear at these trying times for our nation and the world. Injustice and systemic racism continue to corrupt our democracy, disenfranchising and discriminating against too many Americans for nothing more than the color of their skin."

"That is why I believe our top priority must be to enact bold reforms to our democratic system – to beat back the rampant attacks on voting rights, and to ensure that our democracy answers to all Americans, regardless of race, class, or station.

“More than fifty years after Dr. King’s life was taken, we honor his long struggle for justice, along with so many others who have given their lives and sacrificed deeply in the fight for equal rights. We recognize the hard work that must still be done to reach the mountaintop. We must continue to meet injustice with moral courage and love, as Dr. King did, so that this nation might one day truly embody our founding values.”