The Legacy of Dr. King

January 17th celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the United States. It is a time to remember, reflect and respond to the call of that make a difference pioneer Martin Luther King Jr. !

King's wife, the late Coretta Scott King challenged us saying, "On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit." The King Center continues that challenge by admonishing us to look at Monday the 17th as a "Day On. . . Not A Day Off"

I can't think of a better way to look at it! Sure some of us may not have to go in to work, but perhaps you can take a few moments that day and study the life of Dr. King or volunteer your time at a community event or center. Truthfully, the parallels between the fight that Martin Luther King Jr. fought and those of the LGBT community are very much the same; equal rights, civil treatment, and safety, to name a few.

Wonderfully groups like Equality California ; Washington DC's National Center for Transgender Equality , and Equality Illinois adhere to that challenge by securing, protecting and defending the basic civil rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons. These are the folks who emulate Dr. King's mission and passion for our rights.

I've had many folks contact me from the GoPride Network of sites ( PrideLA | ChicagoPride.com | PrideDC ) asking for ways they can get involved in their communities this year. Clearly many of you have made your New Year resolutions around helping others. I can think of no greater way of spending your time and treasure!

For those of you who haven't thought about it; I want to challenge you this month to celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. in committing to be a person of equality, diversity, and care for those around you.