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The Tea, Spilled by Morning Joe: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”
In today’s newsletter, Rev. Al Sharpton reflects on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s achievements and legacy — and delivers a message for today’s fraught political climate.
Discours de Martin Luther King au Palais des Sports le 28 mars 1966 à Paris, France. (Photo by REPORTERS ASSOCIES/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
By
Al Sharpton
This is the Jan. 19, 2026, edition of “The Tea, Spilled by Morning Joe” newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered straight to your inbox Monday through Friday.
Today we honor the incomparable life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. A consequential figure who changed the laws of segregation, Jim Crow, voting rights and more, Dr. King used the methods of nonviolence and high moral principles to transform the nation that had never witnessed such consistent organizing to achieve real lasting transformation.
The King Day holiday takes on renewed importance today as many legislative achievements he fought for — and persevered for over half a century — are under threat yet again from those on the extreme right.
(Original Caption) Cleveland, Ohio: Reverend Martin Luther King addressed a cheering crowd of 2,000 who heard from King that 98% of the Negroes in Cleveland live in ghettos. King held his first rally at Alexander Hamilton Recreation Center, one of many rallies during his two-day visit here.Bettmann Archive
Whether it’s equal employment and opportunities, voting rights, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, immigrants’ rights and more, the progress that we eventually realized as a nation thanks to Dr. King’s unyielding dedication is being dismantled before our very eyes.
And the very methods he used are under threat from extremists on the left.
As we commemorate our nation’s greatest civil rights leader, we cannot simply invoke his name or cite his quotes.
We must emulate his character, in both words and action. We must continue to strive for a more fair and equitable society that affords opportunities for everyone, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, class or any other measure.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
— From Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 book, “Strength to Love”
American Civil Rights and religious leader Dr Martin Luther King Jr (1929 – 1968) speaks at the NARA (National Association of Radio Announcers) convention in the Regency Hyatt Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia, August 11, 1967. King’s speech, about the importance of African America radio, is often incorrectly referenced as occuring at the National Association of Television & Radio (NATRA) convention, a name which the organization adopted soon after King’s appearance. (Photo by Vernon Merritt III/Getty Images)Getty Images
We must also remember to do everything we do in a peaceful, measured way. We cannot allow the hatred of others to cloud our purpose, our mission and our goals for a more perfect union.
Many Americans are scared, stressed and confused at this moment. There is much to be worried about, and there is great uncertainty as the current federal government cuts funding, eliminates vital programs, removes protections for minority groups and weaponizes immigration tactics.
The cost of housing, food, health care and basic necessities continue to rise, while many families struggle to make ends meet.
There is tremendous fear and instability throughout society, but there is also an opportunity for us to unite, organize and continue Dr. King’s work in a manner that embodies his core beliefs and faithfully honors his legacy the right way.
“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.” — From Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s March 22, 1964 speech in St. Louis, MO.
Lakeview, N.Y.: Dr. Martin Luther King, jr. addresses a rally in Lakeview, New York during a tour of Long Island on May 12, 1965. A sign with the words, “We Shall Overcome,” is in the background. (Photo by Alan Raia/Newsday RM via Getty Images)Newsday RM via Getty Images
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