It’s Monday, January 20th, 2025 - a day significant for 2 reasons. Today, the U.S. inaugurates a new leader & it’s Martin Luther King Day.

The last time a President was sworn in on MLK Day, Barack Obama placed his left hand on a worn black leather Bible held by a beloved civil rights activist - Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

Happy MLK Day & welcome to the first BDRB correspondence of 2025.

Although Canada doesn’t celebrate #MLKDay, annually my timeline is flooded with cute quotes - often used out of context.

Dr. King’s legacy - built on justice, equality, and systemic change - has unfortunately often been reduced to sharing MLK quotes.. So here's one:

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

As we move into 2025, it’s clear that doing what is right is rarely easy and often meets resistance. Dr. King wasn’t always the lovable meme-like icon... He was far from beloved.

Let's be clear. He was assassinated for challenging systemic inequity. His work wasn’t about fleeting inspiration; it was about dismantling structures that uphold inequality.

Despite black & white photos that portray him as ancient history, MLK would be 95. He was 39 when murdered in 1968. Many still alive remember it. Vividly.

Today - specifically - must remind us that progress demands sustained action, not just words. While we’ve come far, the journey is far from over.

THIS is Canada - and the Canadian music industry. (NOT the 51st State!). And despite our proximity, there IS a difference.

I hear the smirky “DEI rollback” comments, but I believe there is a difference in attitude & will to create equity here. Strides have been made, but a long road lies ahead.

BDRB has been quiet recently but we’re back. We will continue to support those committed to equity in the music industry & soon revisit the commitments of the BDRB Declaration signatories.

Stay close & let’s work.

Ian Andre Espinet
Co-Founder/Director, BDRB

P.S. Next up: the elephant in the room - the "death of DEI" & the rise of "DIE" and "MEI".