State Indian Affairs Secretary Reflects on King's Unrealized Promise For Equity For All People of Color

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Indian Affairs Department (IAD) Secretary Lynn Trujillo on Monday issued the following statement regarding the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.:

“Today, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose vision for equity and equality for all remains, sadly, unfulfilled. This past year has shined a new light on the social and economic injustices we have yet to right, especially for all people of color. Our nation is undergoing a new reckoning with our responsibility to right the wrongs that lead more Native and Black citizens to endure rates of arrest and death than non-POC cohorts.

While we can be encouraged by the new awareness brought by actions like Black Lives Matter and our Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women movement, history will judge us by the change we make to help transition unequal communities through relief and recovery to long-term resilience and equality.

Through Dr. King’s example, our nation continues to make strides in the fight for justice and equality. His belief in the fundamental goodness of people stands as a reminder of the compassion that we must all have for our neighbors regardless of race, creed, or nationality.

As Dr. King so eloquently reminded us, let us not be satisfied until justice rolls down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.”