Forty years ago this spring, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life was tragically cut short. He was 39. During this anniversary year, we see the magnitude of his impact on America and Arizona more clearly.

In the words of his wife and courageous ally, Dr. King challenged us “to become a country that truly lived by its noblest principles.” His voice gave us inspiration. His determined leadership helped win passage in 1968 of the U.S. Civil Rights Act and the U.S. Fair Housing Act. This landmark legislation ensured that all citizens would have access to housing without fear of intimidation, prejudice or threats.

In the months ahead, my Office will commemorate the adoption of the Fair Housing Act by convening housing forums throughout Arizona. The Attorney General’s Office sees new cases every week alleging housing discrimination on the basis of race, family status and disability. Many times, we find these violations occur because people are unaware of their right to fair housing. The forums are open to the public and designed to provide information that will help eliminate housing discrimination.

As we pay tribute to Dr. King this month, let us not forget the history of this Holiday in Arizona. Phoenix was the first city to celebrate a Holiday honoring Dr. King in 1984. Though faced with many obstacles, the Holiday was finally adopted in 1992 by Arizona voters, allowing us all to honor Dr. King.

In honoring Dr. King, we need to be mindful of the challenges still ahead. Let us remain strong in our conviction that equality and fairness are the cornerstones of our great Nation. Our efforts to achieve them must be unceasing. As Dr. King declared, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

On Monday, January 21, and through the year, let us join hands in the spirit of unity – against hate and intolerance, against discrimination and injustice – and continue our Nation’s march toward Dr. King’s goal of an equal and fair America.

Terry Goddard