You'd be hard pressed to find a clearer example of faith's power to inspire and sustain social movements than African Americans' long struggle for freedom and equality. From the beginning, when slaves found in faith the strength to endure (and in some cases resist) indescribable oppression, to the high water mark of the Civil Rights Movement when Christians, Muslims and Jews gave their lives to the struggle, the cause of justice has always been rooted in and animated by religious faith.

As Black History Month begins, that is an example to honor, not just by listening to "I Have A Dream," but by recognizing that the struggle is not over, and by involving ourselves in it. As long as we have separate and unequal education systems, unequal access to healthcare, and an ever-widening chasm between the haves and the have-nots -- all breaking down on racial lines -- faith should compel us to act, in our own communities and in areas of greatest need. The best way to honor our heroes is to emulate them.