Dear Friends and Family,
On Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. Day, the entire nation pauses in remembrance of a civil rights hero. A man who inspired so many with his vision for an enlightened future of unity, freedom, and equality – the birthright of every human being in the “beloved community.”
It’s important to remember the meaning of the day, not just on the third Monday of January, but all year long. We recognize Dr. King’s legacy of service as it inspires us to serve in our own ways. That service element is crucial because it unites people of all ages and backgrounds – many of whom don’t normally interact – while building stronger communities.
It’s so easy for us to stay in our individual silos. The real work comes when individuals and organizations step outside of the comfort of sameness to build bridges that allow true collaboration – much like Dr. King, who reached outside of his church community to visit synagogues and mosques. He inspired those around him to open their eyes, share their stories, and work together to build something bigger.
When UAC first began its work, in response to the nation’s civil unrest following Dr. King’s assassination, we soon learned that partnership was the most essential asset to driving change. In that same spirit ever since, UAC has been creating spaces where people feel comfortable expressing their truth and reality.
That’s why at UAC we often talk about the Power of Coalition. Over the years, we have created vehicles to look at where there might be tension – observing what’s happening within the community or around it – to gain better understanding. Last year, for example, when we launched our Ending Racism Partnership, the first step in trying to capture understanding about people’s experience with racism was to hold space for listening and reflecting at a table where everyone was welcome.
And, UAC, like many organizations, is incorporating this need for safe spaces by connecting thoughts and feelings through B.RA.V.E. – Bold, Relevant, Authentic, Valuable and Educational – conversations that say “I hear you, I see you, let’s work together.
We kicked off our 52nd Anniversary by honoring Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr., a New York Times best-selling author and chair of Princeton University’s Department of African American Studies, with our “Doer” Award. Glaude, who spoke on the state of race, social justice, equity, and inclusion in America – a topic he explored through his most recent book, “Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own,” urged the audience to use their voices to join these conversations:
We have to stop being complicit with the world as it is… The world conspires to make you small, the question is whether or not you are going to be complicit. We have to change how we move in this City, in this Country.
We may come from different places, but our Coalition is a place to build camaraderie and hear each other’s voices. To hear a person’s experience that might be different from our own. In the end, I think it all comes down to this: Listening, patience, empathy, and humility.
This MLK Day, I urge you to do the work to recommit yourself to racial justice, to anti-racism, and to a more equitable and just community, here in Philadelphia and beyond.
Sharmain Matlock-Turner
President/CEO
Sharmain@uac.org