Together we can be the dream

In the United States, the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., MLK Day is observed annually on the third Monday of January and is also known as a National Day of Service to strengthen communities. MLK Day is a defining moment each year when Americans across the country step up to make communities more equitable and take action to create the “Beloved Community” of Dr. King’s dream.

Today, we remember Dr. King’s resiliency and peaceful leadership in the fight against injustice and inequality. While he believed his dream of creating the Beloved Community was possible, he acknowledged and fought for systematic change. His example is our call to action.

Former Chairman and CEO of Cummins Inc., J. Irwin Miller was an early and passionate advocate for diversity and took pride in recognizing that call to action. While also leading Cummins, Miller served as the first lay president of the National Council of Churches from 1960 to 1963. Under his leadership, the Council undertook several risky, especially at that point in history, civil rights initiatives and co-sponsored Dr. King's historic 1963 March on Washington. During Miller’s tenure, Cummins established six key corporate values: Corporate Responsibility, Integrity, Innovation, Delivering Superior Results, and, a true testament to what Cummins stands for today, Global Involvement and Diversity.

Together, we can strengthen ties to our communities and one another while we address critical issues that divide us. “The time is always right to do what is right,” a famous quote from Dr. King’s address in Washington.

To honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we pause to reflect on his life, legacy and innumerable lessons. We invite you to read and reflect on the piece below that was written and performed by Immanuel Umoren. 

If it is true that we are our ancestors’ wildest dreams come to life, then, in the boardrooms, on our teams and in our communities, we are the manifestation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream.

We are the torchbearers, who continue working towards a world with more justice and more equity. Not only for ourselves, but for all people everywhere; because our destinies are interwoven in the shared tapestry of our humanity. 

This is generational work, for generations present and those yet to be born. 

In this moment when division feels rampant, join us to remind the world that our differences make us stronger and that we go farther together. Join us to foster a culture that remains committed to giving everyone a fair chance to succeed. Join us to continue serving our communities.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream; we, have a mission.