Employees across the Department honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Tuesday, saluting the civil rights legend during a lively ceremony at Department headquarters.
Secretary Chu joined Lynn Cothren, former personal assistant to Coretta Scott King, and Reverend C.T. Vivian, a rider on the first Freedom Bus into Jackson Mississippi and member of Dr. King’s executive staff during the event.
Secretary Chu spoke about the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and how we can best remember him.
He said, “There's no doubt that we have accomplished much, but we also have more to do. To honor Dr. King we need...our children to inherit a world where they can succeed.”
He also talked about how the Department is continuing its commitment to equality by supporting environmental justice efforts and strengthening its diversity and inclusion efforts.
The Department recently completed a diversity and inclusion survey and held a Diversity and Inclusion Town Hall. In the months ahead, we will continue efforts to boost our programs by developing a Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, a Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Council, and a Continual Learning Program Leadership Learning Module on diversity and inclusion.
Secretary Chu also delivered a message to his employees: “Your work in DOE will make a huge difference. As Dr. King said: ‘Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?’ You can say to yourselves, we are doing things for others. That’s the whole reason why we exist.”
Chief Human Capital Officer Mike Kane echoed Secretary Chu’s thoughts, saying, “Martin Luther King Jr. said that everybody can be great because everyone can serve. You’ve all made a commitment to serve your country. Let's leave here and do just that.”
You can find more information on the Department’s diversity programs at energy.gov/diversity
