On January 16, Americans everywhere will honor the incredible life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. One of history’s greatest leaders, Dr. King tirelessly confronted deeply entrenched racism and the shameful Jim Crow laws. His work and words are timeless models of how legislative advocacy and acts of peaceful civil disobedience are powerful tools for social change.
One of Dr. King’s most iconic accomplishments was his “I Have A Dream” speech, which he delivered the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. This historic March helped lead to the passing of the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Alongside other civil rights pioneers such as Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, John Lewis, and Bayard Rustin, Dr. King inspired generations of activists to fight for racial justice and the rights of all people.
Here at Fenway Health, the values that inform our work every day are rooted in the fight for racial equity and social justice: Community. Compassion. Humility. Innovation. Integrity. Justice. Learning.
There are many upcoming events, both in-person and virtual, in the Boston area in celebration of MLK, Jr. Day. This includes the unveiling of “The Embrace,” a 22-foot statue honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King on Boston Common, near the site of a 1965 rally led by Dr. King.
We encourage our Fenway Health community to take some time on Monday to reflect on Dr. King’s works and words, identify ways that each of us can show up to fight injustice in our own backyards, and seize opportunities to help others.