Current events, though challenging, echo past struggles. They are characterized by division, fear, and uncertainty, yet also hold the promise of hope and positive change.

Dr. King’s assertion that “Evil and fear have within them the seeds of their own destruction” remains powerfully relevant, as Ambassador Andrew J. Young recently reminded me. Fear consistently attempts to dominate, but hope persistently counters it. This recurring pattern in our history showcases our nation’s resilience and capacity for renewal.

We’ve faced similar challenges before. In the 1960s, the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert F. Kennedy profoundly impacted America. The loss of these leaders created a void, yet the Civil Rights Movement persevered. This turbulent period yielded significant advancements—the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, and the eventual designation of Dr. King’s birthday as a national holiday. This progress, however, wasn’t guaranteed; it resulted from persistent struggle and the determination to overcome fear and division.

The 1860s provide another example. The Civil War, though a devastating national fracture, also laid the groundwork for a new beginning. Abraham Lincoln, a Republican president, campaigned on an anti-slavery platform (a little-known fact is that the Republican Party itself originated in 1854 on an anti-slavery, social justice platform, reacting to the Kansas-Nebraska Act which sought to expand slavery). This laid the foundation for the Emancipation Proclamation and the Thirteenth Amendment. Nearly a century later, President Lyndon B. Johnson, a Democrat, navigated significant congressional opposition (from both Democrats and Republicans) to enact the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. These leaders, despite their different eras and political affiliations, shared a commitment to justice and unity that transcended partisanship.

History progresses towards justice, as Dr. King noted, but this requires dedicated individuals working collaboratively. Even during periods of setback, progress finds a way.

Consider the evolution of affirmative action. After Dr. King’s assassination, the focus shifted, sometimes away from African Americans to women, or at times to nothing at all. Yet, unexpected champions emerged. President Richard Nixon, known for his conservatism, solidified affirmative action policies, expanded environmental protection and advanced women’s rights. Similarly, President Ronald Reagan, collaborating with the King family and figures like Stevie Wonder, signed legislation establishing the MLK holiday.

Who would have foreseen these leaders, from opposing political viewpoints, making such substantial contributions to justice?

This spirit of bipartisanship and collaboration has been crucial to American progress. George H.W. Bush recognized the need for community development, partnering with Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley (a prominent Democrat) to provide a $61,000 grant establishing Operation HOPE after the 1992 Los Angeles riots. Later, he collaborated with President Bill Clinton on Hurricane Katrina relief. His son, President George W. Bush, worked with me to establish financial literacy as a federal policy and achieved significant progress for Africa. President Barack Obama’s administration, at my request and under Treasury Secretary Jack Lew and Wally Adeyemo, renamed the U.S. Treasury Annex Building the Freedman’s Bank Building—a powerful symbol of Lincoln’s vision for economic equity.

These narratives demonstrate our interdependence. This has been a consistent truth throughout our nation’s journey. Through collaboration, we achieve not just good things, but extraordinary things, transcending limited perspectives to create enduring solutions.

This isn’t simply history; it’s a call to action. In 2025, we must recommit to the inclusive vision Dr. King and civil rights activists championed. We must engage with those holding differing views, not to argue, but to listen and find common ground. A commitment to “expand the table and add a seat,” to borrow a phrase from my friend Stephanie Ruhle, is essential. Our future generations deserve a world built on hope, not fear. As Dr. Dorothy Height often said, we need “leaders and dreamers with shovels in their hands”—committed to building a better future and equal opportunity for all.

Dr. King’s message wasn’t solely about civility; it emphasized respectful disagreement. These values remain as pertinent today as they were in 1963. They urge us to look beyond our differences and focus on our shared humanity.

Reflecting on these lessons, I recall being asked if I’d dine with Presidents Clinton and Bush. My response was immediate: “What time?” for President Clinton, and “What for?” for President Bush. But in both cases, the answer was yes. Because dialogue—even with those holding different perspectives—is the first step toward understanding and progress.

Our current circumstances demand this same openness, courage, and commitment to unity. Fear may threaten, but hope must prevail. Division may tempt us, but collaboration must triumph. And when we work together—truly together—we can accomplish the seemingly impossible.