The violence wrought last week in the U.S. Capitol was a stark reminder that we still have a lot of work to do if we are ever to realize Dr. King’s dream. Like so many, I am still processing these events, contemplating how the fallout will inform our ability to move forward – as a nation, as neighbors, and as sisters and brothers.
Dr. King, whose words offer us guidance in times of crisis, once said:
“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there ‘is’ such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”
In the early days of this new year, which follow a year like none other in our history, Dr. King’s words continue to make me proud to lead the Urban Affairs Coalition (UAC). In the face of extreme adversity and heartbreak, we keep working toward a better future.
Indeed, that is why UAC has convened the Ending Racism Partnership, a signature effort to develop key strategies and engagement to push forward the movement to end racism. The consequences of racial injustice are visible everywhere – and we believe, as Dr. King urged, that, “We must move past indecision to action.”
On Monday, January 18, UAC will once again join our partner Global Citizen – in-person and virtually – at Girard College for the 26th Annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service. This year’s theme is Justice & the COVID-19 Health Crisis, which features one key initiative – free drive-through and walk-in COVID-19 testing on the Girard College campus. More information is available online.
As we pause to celebrate what would have been Dr. King’s 91st birthday, know that all of us at UAC will continue his fight for justice every day at a time in our nation’s history when we are so desperately in need of his example.
