In his first major speech in office, Acting U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. will address attendees at the National Action Network's Martin Luther King Jr. Day annual breakfast on Monday, Jan. 18, in Washington, D.C. He will give remarks honoring Rev. King's legacy and commitment to equity. Acting Secretary King will share his resolutions for the year, which include continuing the Department's efforts to promote equity and equal educational opportunity to ensure that every child has the chance to succeed in school and in life.
In addition, Acting Secretary King will discuss how the new education law—the Every Student Succeeds Act—builds on progress made in education since the beginning of the Obama Administration and also the work that lies ahead in order to ensure that students of color have equitable resources and access to high quality preschool, strong teachers and advanced coursework. Later that day, Acting Secretary King will participate in local community service with staff.
A not-for-profit civil rights organization founded by civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton, the National Action Network addresses the social and economic injustice experienced by African Americans in the United States. Rev. Sharpton has called education reform the civil rights issue of the 21st century.