Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Today we celebrate the life and legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, a champion for justice and equality whose courage and conviction helped transform the conscience of our nation.
Dr. King’s bold challenge to America — to make good on equality of mankind and inalienable rights the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness outlined in the country’s Declaration of Independence, was initially met with hostility and resistance. America had spent centuries reaping the benefits of a terror enforced class system that exploited Black people and other marginalized groups, denying them equal protection under the laws. Dr. King and the movement persisted, using non-violent civil action as a tool for change. His work led to the passage of landmark legislation and evolved America’s attitudes on race. Sadly, the recent insurrection at the US Capitol highlighted just how far our country still has to go until the humanity and dignity of all are recognized and respected.
As one of the most visible and vocal leaders of the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King used his mighty voice to advocate for both racial and economic justice. He realized that true equality required the country to also address its wealth and income disparities. As one of his final acts, Dr. King called for the abolition of poverty through a guaranteed basic income.
Mount Vernon is a proud inheritor of Dr. King’s dream and we are doing our part to advance his legacy. As a partner city for Mayors for Guaranteed Income, we are piloting an innovative program that will provide $500 monthly to needy families for 12–18 months. This recurring cash payment will supplement their incomes and help reduce economic insecurity, which has been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. The program is slated to begin this spring and we will be sharing more details in the coming days.
There are many ways to further Dr. King’s legacy by supporting one another through service. While COVID-19 has made volunteering more complicated, community service remains a critical need. I urge you to explore remote and in-person volunteer opportunities here.
Above all, Dr. King’s heroic work is a call to action to strive for a brighter future. We are all charged with continuing the work and sacrifice of past generations to secure a more equitable world for those to come. Together, we must actively participate in our great democracy, steering it ever closer to liberty and justice for all.
In Service,
Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, MPA
