Whether fateful coincidence or divine intervention of the calendar year, there's something incredibly appropriate about celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday today and Barack Obama's inauguration tomorrow.

Obama's inauguration and subsequent presidency will not only change the political climate in Washington D.C. and abroad but his accomplishment opens the door of opportunity and ambition King envisioned over 40 years ago.

Where King spoke with hope and promise of a world in which race did not prevent excellence, Obama's inauguration is visible proof of a country where hope has been grasped by certainty.

And more importantly, Obama's inauguration reveals a reality where King's faith and vision are very much alive in the American people.

It is indisputable that men and women have spent their entire lives standing up and fighting for what we will see tomorrow. And while Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of many, the words of his proclamation still remind us of what we one day hope to be.

So, celebrate today and celebrate again tomorrow as we commemorate one man who gave his life to make the hopes and dreams of another possible.