Congresswoman Maxine Waters has released a statement about the importance of celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — especially in the days following the deadly U.S. Capitol attack.

“As I solemnly reflect on this month’s hate-filled attack on our nation’s Capitol, I have come to the conclusion that there are those who will never get beyond their hatred and their racism. There are those who believe that Black people and other people of color are not equal to them. We must not be stymied by them in our efforts to achieve justice and equality,” Waters shared to her website on Monday (Jan. 18).

Rep. Waters then went on to speak about how fearless Dr. King was when he was faced with adversity. “In tough times, I remember just how undeterred Dr. King was when he was faced with challenges or obstacles – day or night, he kept on walking – kept on marching,” she continued.

“As Dr. King once said, ‘The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.’ This year, celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day isn’t just important, it is absolutely crucial.”

Rep. Waters continued, “Our nation today faces numerous challenges: the COVID-19 pandemic, the struggling economy, racial injustice, civil strife and a resurgence of white supremacist violence. The Coronavirus has tragically killed nearly 400,000 people in the U.S., and — as is often the case — people of color are suffering disproportionately. Many families are food insecure, millions of people are out of a job and many are doing everything they can to keep a roof over their heads.”

She ended her statement by listing things that we have to do in this country in order to create a society that is fair for everyone, including closing the gender and racial wealth gap, increasing homeownership opportunities for people of color and women, promoting inclusive lending, supporting minority banks and holding every company accountable for inclusion and diversity.

“On this day and every day, may we continue to live up to Dr. King’s legacy and vision by working relentlessly and purposefully to create justice and equality for all,” the Congresswoman concluded.

Read Rep. Maxine Waters’ full statement here.