Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued the following statement in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

“Today we celebrate the powerful legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  His spirit and teachings of equality, justice and opportunity are at the core of what has made San Francisco a beacon of light for so many people and now is the time to recommit ourselves to unite around those values.

As Dr. King said, ‘We must work increasingly to uplift this nation that we love to a higher destiny, to a higher plateau, to a more noble expression of humanness.’

Together, San Francisco will continue to be the city that builds stronger and healthier communities; encourages diversity in every neighborhood and at every business; and provides sanctuary to everyone, regardless of race, income, sexual orientation or immigration status. San Francisco will fight for the progress we’ve made and hold itself accountable to achieve its highest ideals and values. As Mayor of this great city this is what I commit to today and every day.”