Statement from OVOV AZ Executive Director Sena Mohammed on Inauguration of President Trump on MLK, Jr. Day
January 17, 2025
The inauguration of President Donald Trump on Jan. 20 coincides this year with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Ahead of the holiday, Executive Director Sena Mohammed issued the following statement:
“As I reflect on the days ahead, I remember all that Dr. King stood for: justice, equality, and peaceful resistance. Dr. King’s memory reminds us of the power of collective action — that every individual is stronger when we stand together for what we believe in. It is a bitter truth that this year, this important holiday coincides with the inauguration of a President whose former administration and policies run counter to all the values that Dr. King championed.
“And yet, the fact that the inauguration falls on Martin Luther King Day is not merely a coincidence — it’s a call to action for our communities to come together to build a better world, to build a movement that centers the voices of our people. To quote Dr. King, ‘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.’
“I know people are feeling all the emotions — anger, grief, uncertainty, fear — and I share many of those feelings. We know President Trump will try to divide us. That’s what he’s about. He will try to instill fear in our communities. He will try to make us enemies to one another. But we aren’t enemies. We are stronger together.
“Our Voice, Our Vote Arizona will continue to organize, fight, and do whatever it takes to keep moving forward. We’re still working towards a long-term vision for an Arizona where all of our voices are heard and all of our votes count. Where new Americans have a path to citizenship. Where your body is yours and your freedom is protected. Where the rich pay their taxes alongside the rest of us, and everyone can afford good housing, child care, and health care. Where everyone has access to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. This is our Arizona. This is the future we believe in. And no matter what happens, this is the future we will fight for.”
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Our Voice, Our Vote Arizona is a member-led organization, committed to advocating for sustainable progressive public policies that address the most pressing issues in our communities. We build power by mobilizing voters, training the next generation of leaders, electing champions into office, and holding elected officials accountable. We work to empower our communities by putting people first to ensure all voices are heard. Learn more about Our Voice, Our Vote at www.ourvoiceourvote.us and follow on social media at @OVOV_AZ.
