Each year, on the third Monday of January, we come together to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a visionary leader whose unwavering commitment to justice and equality helped shape the civil rights movement. More than 60 years ago, Dr. King delivered his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, where he vividly painted a vision of a future rooted in equality, freedom, and unity for all people. In his powerful words, he shared, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

These words continue to resonate deeply today, inspiring countless individuals and movements committed to creating a more just and inclusive world. At Girls Inc., we are dedicated to making Dr. King’s dream a reality, working every day to inspire the new generation of leaders in our strong, smart, and bold community. Through mentorship, education, and advocacy, we strive to build a future where all young women and girls, regardless of their background, can live with dignity, equality, and the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. His influence has touched many generations, including our current group of Brand Ambassadors at Girls Inc. Our Brand Ambassadors share how their involvement with Girls Inc. has given them an opportunity to uphold these values of equality, justice, and nonviolence that Dr. King championed.

“Girls Inc. has taught me since second grade the importance of promoting justice and one principle that is always underlined is the importance of advocating for those who cannot for themselves, just as Dr. King did,” said Sloan Cox, a Brand Ambassador from Girls Inc. of Sarasota. In her role as a Brand Ambassador, Sloan has been given the chance to amplify her voice and inspire those around her. She has also had the opportunity to educate the girls in her community about the power of unity and equality. Girls Inc. has repeatedly shown her that achieving a more equitable society is possible through education and creating inclusive spaces. “The work Dr. King did was vital for the progress we have achieved and Girls Inc. will continue to initiate progress and inspire many girls to be strong, smart, and bold for many years to come to reach an all inclusive world.”

“Just like MLK Jr. did. Girls Inc. teaches girls to fight for their rights and others, and not let anyone or anything stop you from fighting for that. Girls Inc. stands by girls and teaches them how to be advocates for themselves, following Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s principles of nonviolence,” said Avree Hayes, a Girls Inc. Brand Ambassador. As a participant in the program, Avree has learned that she has a voice—one that no one can take away from her. She also understands the importance of using it. “I have been given the opportunity to do just that, in places where I can practice in a safe and comfortable environment, and spaces where I know that using my voice will make an actual difference.”

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. and his vision, Girls Inc. is dedicated to ensuring that girls are recognized for their strength, intelligence, and boldness, not judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.