January 17, 2022
New York, NY

Each year UNITED SIKHS and the people of the United States commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King on the third Monday in January.  We republish one of our staff’s favorite Reverend Martin Luther King’s profound speeches and writings.

This year we see how the following words resonated in the actions of citizens around the world. Dr. King said, “Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary to create a tension in the mind so that individuals could rise from the bondage of myths and half-truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal, so must we see the need for nonviolent gadflies to create the kind of tension in society that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice and racism to majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood.”

In India, in 2021, approximately a quarter of a million people peacefully protested against laws that could have devastating consequences for India’s farmers.  The international community came together and supported the farmers in their right to protest and assemble. UNITED SIKHS stood with protestors, providing medical attention, food, warm clothing, legal representation and counselling.

In 2020, we also became painfully aware of the truth in Dr. Martin Luther King’s words following the mass, national and international protests and citizen awakening against anti-black state violence following the senseless killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis by police.

Dr. King wrote the quote above from a jail cell in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963.   He was killed by a sniper on April 4, 1968, but his words continue to inspire generations.

On this day, and every day of the year, UNITED SIKHS also follows the Sikh belief that recognizes humans as one. We stand for equal opportunities for advancement and full participation in civic life of all people.  We seek in our work the economic, social and spiritual empowerment of vulnerable minorities and other marginalized people and individuals in need, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social status, age or ability.

UNITED SIKHS wishes you a peaceful Martin Luther King Day.  We hope that you can take time today to reflect on the life and words of the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr.

UNITED SIKHS

International Civil & Human rights Advocacy – ICHRA