This weekend, we celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King’s work to make bare the effects of segregation and racism on Black Americans remains even more relevant today. Dr. King made us face the dehumanizing effects of segregation on Black Americans and offered a religious and civic vision of what true equality and a loving community could be.
His practice of non-violence highlighted the cruelty of racism by organizing, preaching, and protesting in a way that brought public attention to the violence African Americans faced while asserting their humanity and dignity. He spoke with a moral clarity that demanded that America look at it’s past and present institutional and personal practices that denied Black Americans their human and civil rights. Dr. King challenged the government and our society to make good on liberty and justice for all as enshrined in our oaths and documents. His commitment and tactics of non-violence led him to be beaten, jailed, and ultimately murdered for bearing witness to the truth.
His work is not finished. Monday is not just a day off from work; it is a reminder to reflect and recommit to building a just and inclusive America and a just and inclusive workplace.
Warm regards,
Mark