Monday, January 15, 2018
Mayor's Office of Communications; 415-554-6131 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a time for solemn reflection and commemoration of the life and legacy of one of our country’s most distinguished leaders. It is a time for us to remember and think critically about the values he stood for: social and racial justice, service and equality

Although a half-century has passed since he left us, his pursuit of a more equitable, inclusive and compassionate America is as urgent as ever.

These are difficult times for our immigrants, our communities of color and our disenfranchised residents. The President spent his first year in office attacking the civil rights of our residents, pursuing discriminatory policies and refusing to condemn the racist rhetoric and actions of extremist hate groups.

Dr. King spent his life devoted to opposing such intolerance and hatred, we honor him not only today, but continue to honor his memory by speaking out against bigotry and hatred. He once said that ‘our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.’

San Francisco will not be silent. We will not be deterred by the hate coming from Washington, D.C. We will not back down against threats to our values. We will not forget the message of hope celebrated each year on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We will continue to be a city that celebrates love, compassion and empathy for everyone—the same ideals championed by Dr. King.