
The concurrence of today’s presidential inauguration and Martin Luther King Jr. Day underscores the promise of the multiracial democracy Dr. King envisioned and highlights the stark test our country is about to embark on.
Dēmos president Taifa Smith Butler released the following statement regarding today’s presidential inauguration:
“We are under no illusions about how the political climate will favor our democracy over the next four years. Yet, today, we also remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's call to strive for power for working people in America—especially people of color.
“We and our partners will remain firm against attempts to dilute the power and voices of Black and brown communities and, instead, convey what it means to build a society where all of us belong and have access to economic security and mobility.
“Amid these changes and challenges, a fundamental truth remains: people are eager for the power to shape the circumstances that affect their lives and create communities where they belong. Building a robust, responsive multiracial democracy that serves everyone's needs is not just an aspiration—it is an imperative.
As we look ahead to the next four years, we redouble our commitment not just to ensuring that those in power are held accountable, but that groups and individuals across our communities can share in that power and understanding.
“Dr. King taught us that ‘Power, properly understood, is the ability to achieve purpose.’ As we look ahead to the next four years, we redouble our commitment not just to ensuring that those in power are held accountable, but that groups and individuals across our communities can share in that power and understanding. Together, in shared power, clarity, and accountability, we can build a future that allows everyone to have a voice and thrive.”