As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded that progress is never linear. History and politics often move in cycles, swinging back and forth, and at times the climate can feel frustrating or even hostile. Dr. King faced those same moments—periods when change was painfully slow and hard-won gains seemed at risk or were being reversed. What he taught us is that challenges are not signs of failure; they are evidence that the work matters.

AFSA members experience this truth every day. You lead schools and provide stability through changing tides, absorb pressure from every direction, and make difficult decisions on behalf of communities and, most importantly, children. While the public may not always see the full weight of that responsibility, we see it in one another. The profession and the union share a single purpose at AFSA: ensuring every child has access to opportunity, dignity, and hope.

Dr. King believed deeply in collective action and in the power of organized labor to strengthen democracy. In his 1961 remarks, he warned working people not to be fooled by false slogans designed to weaken bargaining rights. His message still speaks to us today. We honor him best by standing firm in our shared values and by keeping our focus on the students who depend on our leadership.

Policies will change. Local and national administrations will come and go. But our commitment to public education and to our students will remain constant. While the ride is rarely smooth, your moral clarity, unity, and compassion in the trenches will ensure continued progress.

Great schools begin with great leaders, and our children deserve a respected and amplified voice from those who know their needs best.

Thank you for all that you do, unselfishly, for future generations of students and leaders.