Living legends.

I remember one day when a student of mine was reaching her breaking point. She’d hit that wall when it feels like all of your hopes and dreams have failed you. No more joy. No more motivation. Just pain and fear. As we talked through what she was feeling, I could understand her frustration. I had lived my own version of hardships and challenges, and I understood the gravity of the weight of what she carried. That day I told her that change takes time and it doesn’t come easy.

This season I wish to honor Bernice King who is a living legend among change makers. Bernice King is the daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King and continues to preach, live & breathe her father’s message of non-violence. This year Bernice is championing the theme of “Mission Possible 2: Building Community, Uniting a Nation the Nonviolent Way” through her work with the King Center as they prepare to honor the 41st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Bernice King believes that her father’s message of non-violence is more relevant now than ever and hopes that his memory can serve as a call to action towards a collective path of peace and unity. The work of Bernice King reminds me of that discussion with my student. Change takes time.

I’m honored to share that in the years since I had that discussion with my student, I have seen real change happening all around us. As we mark the 41st anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and his message of non-violence, my home state of Virginia peacefully and joyfully inaugurated our first female Governor, Abigail Spanberger. Change takes time.

If you’re struggling with something, remember that change takes time and happens bit by bit. Be proud of the progress you’ve made. Be proud of the work that you’re doing. And remember that there are people out there making change happen.

Let us celebrate the good work of living legends like Bernice and Abigail and honor moments of change.

Visit this article by the Southern Poverty Law Center to learn more about Bernice King.