LANCASTER, CA. Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! I want to take a moment to shed light on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s impactful work. Today, we honor the life and legacy of one of the most distinguished Civil Rights leader of the 20th Century, an alumnus of my alma mater, Morehouse College, Class of 1948. In his 1967 book “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?,” Dr. King addresses the issue of poverty in a pivotal chapter titled “Where We Are Going.” In this insightful piece, King challenges the prevailing notion that poverty is merely a consequence of various evils such as limited education, inadequate housing, and strained family relationships. He contends that our traditional, segmented approach to tackling these issues is inherently flawed. Drawing a parallel to the challenges faced in my current residence of San Francisco—between the Civic Center, Theater District, and the Tenderloin—it often feels like we’re collectively bailing out a sinking ship with small plastic cups, a seemingly futile effort.
King’s call to action urges us to adopt a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy. Recent reports by GlobalGiving.org highlight the staggering cost of $20 billion, as estimated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, to end homelessness in the United States. Meanwhile, there is a notable focus on the U.S. President’s request of $105 billion for conflicts overseas (a point worth mentioning). King proposes a bold solution—the guaranteed income, now recognized as Universal Income. He argues that the simplest approach is often the most effective, emphasizing the direct abolition of poverty through this widely discussed measure. As we reflect on Dr. King’s teachings, it prompts us to reconsider our priorities and advocate for transformative solutions to address societal challenges, such as poverty, at their roots.
As Prince Hall Freemasons, we embody the principles of Faith, Hope, and Charity, making benevolence and community service integral to our Masonic identity. Inspired by the teachings of Dr. King, we actively engage in various outreach initiatives and events throughout the year, dedicated to serving our fellow community members. In the past year alone, our commitment materialized through initiatives such as donating and distributing backpacks to multiple families, ensuring that their children are well-prepared for success in education.
On this MLK Day, we set forth a challenge to every member of our Lodge: to venture into the community and provide meals to those in need. Additionally, we diligently raise funds to support a scholarship fund, exemplifying our dedication to educational advancement. These endeavors represent just a glimpse of how we wholeheartedly embrace and fulfill Dr. King’s call to action.
How did you enjoy today’s holiday? Did you respond to King’s call for action in your community? Did you enjoy time off from work and spent it with family?
References:
Adler, S. (2021, March 01). How Much Would It Cost To End Homelessness In America? Retrieved from GlobalGiving.org:https://www.globalgiving.org/learn/how-much-would-it-cost-to-end-homelessness-in-america/
King, Jr., D. L. (1967). Where We Are Going. Retrieved from The Seattle Times: Martin Luther King Jr. An Extraordinary Life:https://projects.seattletimes.com/mlk/words-going.html