e live in a world that many believe is headed in the wrong direction of divisiveness, racism, antisemitism, hatred, violence, suppression, and overall hopelessness. If there ever was a time when millions of people in America and throughout the world should revisit and re-embrace the exemplary teachings and transformative social justice strategy of Martin Luther King, Jr., it is now: 2024.
As the acknowledgment and celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s National Holiday in the United States is reflectively and prospectively observed, I think is timely to reassert Dr. King’s vision and commitment to a “Beloved Community.” Dr. King defined the Beloved Community as a global community where “caring and compassion drive political policies that support the worldwide elimination of poverty and hunger and all forms of bigotry and violence.
At its core, the ‘Beloved Community’ is an engine of reconciliation.” A review of national and international political policies today leaves much to be yet desired and fulfilled. We should, however, be more mindful of the actual progress that has been made to at least identify and prioritize the elimination of worldwide poverty and hunger. According to the United Nations, progress is being made to end poverty and hunger.
Much more needs to be done not just to have a more accurate quantification of world poverty and hunger, but also to work more effectively and efficiently to end poverty and hunger. We do confess that in 2024 in America there is now an unprecedented increase in racial violence and antisemitism. There needs to be a revived clarion call to action to stand up, speak out, and take action against all forms of antisemitism and racism.
Is reconciliation possible in today’s circumstances and challenges across the nation and throughout the world? The answer is “Yes.” Are racial justice and equality possible today in America and globally? The answer is “Yes.” The answers to these two questions are “Yes” provided we do what Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called for to happen.
The Beloved Community according to Dr. King was not some abstract ideal of philia love that falls out of heaven above via an apocalyptic osmosis intervention by the Creator of humanity and the world. Dr. King’s belief and life exemplified that ending poverty, hunger, racism, antisemitism, violence, and war requires the kind of love that involves activism, engagement, movement-building, social transformation, racial and ethnic justice, equality, financial literacy, equity, and ultimately reconciliation. Dr. King believed and affirmed the “oneness of all of humanity.”
2024 presents an opportunity and responsibility for all to work together across the lines of race, ethnicity, religion, and national origin toward a more perfect union and toward ensuring a world where all people are respected, protected, and empowered. In conclusion, here in the United States, 2024 is also a national election year.
Voting rights are fundamental to democracy. The call of Dr. King’s memory and legacy demands that fulfilling the Beloved Community also means helping to activate and mobilize the largest voter turnout in American history. So much is at stake about the outcome of the 2024 elections. There are evil forces at play to convince people to be cynical about whether or not they should vote. Voting is also a sacred responsibility because of the blood, lives, and sacrifices that were made to get the right to vote. Don’t let anyone trick you into not voting. Let’s get to work.
Let’s continue to make a difference. I am optimistic, not pessimistic about the future. The fulfillment and activation of the Beloved Community is at hand. I affirm the oneness of all our humanity. God bless the global Beloved Community is at hand. ●
