WASHINGTON ‒ On Monday, a large gathering filled the pews at the Metropolitan AME Church, as attendees raised their right hands to commit to upholding equality for everyone, immigration rights, and diversity efforts in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

“I pledge that I will not become like those I oppose,” they collectively voiced. “I will peacefully resist those who seek to undermine us.”

This gathering at the historic Black church aimed to honor the civil rights icon and unite efforts to safeguard those liberties under the Trump administration.

Simultaneously, at the U.S. Capitol, President Donald Trump gave his inaugural address. During his speech, he expressed gratitude to Black and brown voters for their support and recognized King, acknowledging that the day was a federal holiday celebrating him.

“In his memory, we will work together to realize his dream,” Trump proclaimed, receiving a standing ovation.

Following the rally at the church, Rev. Al Sharpton criticized Trump’s statement.

“You can’t claim to uphold the dream while also promising to dismantle DEI by week’s end,” asserted Sharpton, who leads the National Action Network, the civil rights group that organized the event. “You cannot honor the dream and pardon individuals who violently attacked the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. King stood against violence,” Sharpton emphasized.

“He should read Dr. King’s writings before discussing his legacy.”

Sharpton noted that he has not seen Trump participate in events that honor King’s legacy.

“The fact that he mentioned it today shows a lack of genuine connection,” he remarked.

‘We don’t want to just stand by’

Hosiah Huggins, Jr., who was among the crowd at the church, noted its long history of hosting civil rights events.

“It’s less about protesting and more about rallying to ensure that our voices are heard,’’ said Huggins, a loyal member of the church, pointing out that there are many who will not accept the current situation.

Huggins expressed his concerns regarding potential chaos resulting from irresponsible actions.

“We refuse to simply remain passive,” he stated. “We want to be proactive.”

Speakers at the rally encouraged attendees to remember King’s message of nonviolence and to speak out against injustice while advocating for initiatives that promote diversity in businesses and education.

Sharpton emphasized the importance of holding the rally in Washington, D.C.

“We’re here and we’re not going back!” he declared, eliciting loud applause.

The audience joined in a chant, “We’re not going back! We’re not going back!”

Looking forward beyond the next four years

Julia Easterlin, 86, from Brooklyn, New York, recalled the disappointment she felt over 60 years ago when her mother prevented her from attending the March on Washington where King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

Since then, Easterlin, a longtime member of the National Action Network, has consistently engaged in events honoring King’s contributions.

“I make it my priority to participate on his day. He fought for justice,” Easterlin asserted. “Supporting today’s cause is crucial for continuing this fight.”

Tayon Williams Dancy and her husband, Bennett Jacoby Dancy, had booked a hotel in Washington months ago with hopes of witnessing Kamala Harris’s inauguration. Although Harris did not win the presidency, the couple from Apex, North Carolina, decided to attend the National Action Network rally instead.

“We wanted to stand in solidarity for women everywhere,” stated Tayon Williams Dancy, 48, who coordinated several MLK events in Apex, including a speaking contest and a march. “Regardless of who holds office, we believe that God is in control.”

The couple explored the National Museum of African American History and Culture and also planned to visit the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial after the rally.

“We can’t allow an election to determine our course of action,” her husband, 51, added. “We will keep marching and advancing, no matter the circumstances. The future awaits us; it’s just a matter of four years.”