Imagine a utopia where all individuals are on equal footing, possessing a place to call home, and without anxiety over providing for their loved ones. When envisioning this idealized realm, what comes to mind? Unity, the complete absence of malevolence, or a desirable residence?
If you want to learn more about the Beloved Community, a vision of Martin Luther King Jr., a Civil Rights activist, consider individuals who have been inspired by him and have strived for equal rights, offering food assistance to those in need, and guaranteeing adequate housing for all, both locally and internationally.
The Beloved Community is exemplified when people come together to confront discrimination based on inherent qualities like sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, and more. It involves collective efforts to combat unjust actions driven by biased attitudes held by specific groups.
In my community, individuals have taken steps to combat discrimination. They do so by calling out and confronting others who make offensive statements or jokes. Joining this fight against insulting remarks and statements is a way to contribute to the Beloved Community. Additionally, I have witnessed people’s efforts to eradicate discrimination through Lee Wong, a member of the West Chester board. He raised awareness for racial discrimination by revealing his military scars and recounting instances where his patriotism was questioned due to his appearance. Wong declares that the situation is worsening, emphasizing his experiences in the military as evidence that he is just as American as individuals from different racial backgrounds.
By sharing his negative experiences and lifting his shirt, he contributed to a greater understanding of the detrimental consequences of discrimination. In his own words, he asserted, “I am no longer afraid…we are all the same. We stand on equal ground.” Additionally, in my community, I have observed the backing for minority-owned enterprises as an effort to foster economic advancement and offer opportunities to historically marginalized entrepreneurs. According to the 2019 Annual Business Study (ABS), around 18.3% of businesses in America are owned by minorities.
My parents have found that this number is not enough and have tried to locate minority-owned businesses in our area. Ultimately, my peers have shown me and those around them that discrimination can be addressed and we can come together to eradicate it and achieve the Beloved Community.
One way I’ve witnessed the Beloved Community in action is through organizations that strive to provide adequate housing for all. A notable example is the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless, which supports families and individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness. This coalition, in operation since 1984, collaborates with over sixty agencies to assist people in need.
Second, there is an initiative known as Rapid Rehousing that aims to swiftly relocate families and individuals from shelters or the streets to suitable living arrangements within a month. In the program’s inaugural year, 91.6% of participants were successfully placed in a home within six months. This figure decreased slightly to 80.8% in the second year, still within the same time frame. It is evident that numerous organizations are committed to granting everyone adequate housing, thereby realizing Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the Beloved Community.
The Beloved Community is evident in individuals who prioritize ensuring everyone has access to quality food. An exemplary organization that embodies this principle is Feeding America, which has been providing assistance to families and individuals across the United States for more than four decades.
Feeding America makes a significant impact, as $1 equals ten meals for those experiencing food insecurity. Likewise, Lakota Local School District actively combats hunger through the annual Stuff the Bus food drive. As a member of Hopewell Junior’s student council, I was proud to witness the generous donations. In 2020, the event gathered 15,500 pounds of canned goods and other non-perishable items for those in need. Overall, numerous local and national organizations strive to achieve the Beloved Community, where individuals never have to worry about their next meal.
Overall, the Beloved Community envisioned by Martin Luther King Jr. has become a reality through the collective efforts of people worldwide who have worked towards equal freedoms, providing sustenance for all, and ensuring accessible housing. Various initiatives such as food drives, charities, and collaborative organizations have collaborated in bringing about the Beloved Community. While you have witnessed the progress made so far, it is important to consider what you can personally contribute for a truly inclusive Beloved Community. This may include donating essential necessities to support organizations aiding those in need and showing support for businesses owned by minorities among other endeavors.
We can all contribute to the creation of the Beloved Community by uplifting and reassuring others that this feeling is accessible to everyone, always. It is crucial to acknowledge and appreciate others’ efforts and promote ways in which they can have an impact. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to achieving the Beloved Community, and it is our duty to actualize it for him and ourselves.
