Dr. King’s legacy calls for us to confront injustice, not as a matter of convenience, but as a moral imperative. As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day, his words resonate with renewed urgency.
In a speech in Atlanta in 1965, Dr. King said (and I paraphrase to make his language more inclusive):
The ultimate test of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and moments of convenience, but where they stand in moments of challenge and moments of controversy.
I’m feeling the winds of challenge and controversy today with some of the most destructive wildfires in US history raging in Southern California, threats to immigrants and others, and many corporations – even in the Bay Area – eliminating their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs overnight.
We went through a time following the murder of George Floyd when the wind was at our back, and it felt like the country was with those of us seeking long-term systemic change. It was easy to be about equity then. But now? The wind is in our face, and we have already seen people and institutions start to succumb to the pressure.
We need those who are committed to justice to stand strong now more than ever.
One of the first things I did when I joined the San Francisco Foundation 10 years ago was to launch a listening campaign to learn more about the challenges facing our region. One of the more consistent concerns that I heard was that tremendous opportunities were being generated in the region, but access was limited based on where people lived, their race and/or ethnicity, or their economic status.
Since then, our efforts in the community have been grounded in a commitment to achieve a greater level of racial equity and economic inclusion in the region. There have been times during this period when I have felt affirmation for our approach and also times when I have felt isolated in the work we do.
In this moment, as I feel resistance and hostility, I am most reminded of Dr. King’s legacy.
Dr. King’s life was a testament to the power of hope, love, and steadfast resolve in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. His leadership during the Civil Rights movement serves as a guiding light, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, we can find the strength to create a more just and equitable world.
Just as Dr. King faced — and overcame — fierce opposition and seemingly immovable systemic barriers, we too can stand strong in these times of challenge and controversy, channeling our fears and anxieties into action.
If philanthropy is one of your tools for action, I encourage you to lean in now and every time you feel the headwinds of challenge and controversy. Our team at San Francisco Foundation has put together giving guides that point you to local community organizations doing great work on a variety of issues. I also encourage you to check out our giving recommendations to support immediate relief and long-term recovery for those impacted by the fires in Southern California.
Together, let’s embrace the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy and forge a path forward — towards a just, equitable, and inclusive society.
In solidarity,
Fred Blackwell
