Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. – Let’s Make His Dream of Racial and Social Equality and Justice a Reality
January 2021
Fifty years ago, Martin Luther King, Jr. voiced, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Imagine a world where people are respected on solely who they are. Dr. King dedicated his life to advancing equality, social justice and economic opportunity for all. He challenged us to build a unified society and taught us we all have a role to play. How much progress have we made since Dr. King’s momentous speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial?
During a conversation with a client, she shared her worry about her son who was driving south from Washington DC for vacation. In light of all of the civil unrest and self-proclaimed white supremacy protests, she feared for her son’s safety. This conversation is not the first time we have heard this message. We all live with fears. What we don’t all live with is fear we will be assaulted or killed because of the color of our skin. Or shot while running through a neighborhood. Or worry about the safety of our loved ones each time they leave the house. The Black community has experienced and continues to experience tremendous pain because of the racial, social and economic injustices and inequality ingrained in society for hundreds of years.
On this critically important holiday celebrating the iconic MLK, Jr., the Magnificent Manors Team stands in solidarity with and celebrates our Black colleagues, friends, clients, and the millions of people across the country demanding change. Let us embrace Dr. King’s dream to create a country of equality where we respect each other for our character regardless of our differences.
How do we fulfill MLK’s dream? Peaceful protests are an important step to create change. But, there are many other ways to help. Today and every day is a time for deep introspection, commitment to becoming educated, and having the conversations (even uncomfortable ones) to be catalysts for change. Even small steps will assure Dr. King’s work lives on and his dream achieved.
Be a catalyst for change in your organization. Keller Williams CEO, Gary Keller, created a task force to study, analyze and make recommendations on how the industry, and KW specifically, “can ensure they’re creating a space of love and equal opportunity for all.” Follow Gary’s lead by creating a similar task force within your organization, or even as simple as in your own family. We can create a country where Blacks have an equal opportunity to flourish and never again live in fear.
Contact your local county officials and delegates. Express your concerns. Ask your questions. They are extremely responsive and willing to engage with Arlington residents.
- Arlington County Board: 703-228-3130, Email the County Board, County Board Website
- Public Defender, Bradley Haywood: 703-875-1111, Email the Public Defender
- Commonwealth Attorney, Parisa Dehghani-Tafti: 703-228-4410, Email the Commonwealth Attorney, Commonwealth Attorney Website
- Chief of Police, M. Jay Farr: 703-228-4040, Chief of Police Website
