HONORING MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
AN ENDURING LEGACY OF SERVICE
"Everybody can be great because everybody can serve."
– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Today, we honor the life and enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. for the profound impact he made in overcoming racial discrimination during the Civil Rights movement. His spirit lives on as we celebrate his accomplishments, his life of service, and our freedoms.
2023 marks the 55th year since Dr. King was assassinated. As a young adult in college at the time of this assassination, I well remember the horror of that day which felt like it came on the heels of JFK's assassination for those of us who also lived through that day. I believe just some 30% of Americans alive today were alive when both these men died. What's interesting to me is that at the time of Dr. King's death, he had a very low approval rating amongst Americans. In the intervening years there's been an amazing recognition and appreciation of what he brought to the Civil Rights movement and his message for all humanity. At the time of his death, those of us who were alive would not have expected this enduring legacy. I know that each passing year I have more of an appreciation for this amazing man's legacy.
Martin Luther King's life and legacy is a story of personal sacrifice and service to others for the greater good. Today, let's not just remember his bold words and actions promoting freedom, justice and equality for all. Let's also follow in his footsteps by volunteering to serve our local communities. Together we honor his memory and make our neighborhoods, where ever they might be, a better place to call home.
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. With a Day of Service
Martin Luther King Day is more than just a day of remembrance. It's also a day of service. Did you know that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service that encourages all Americans to give back to their local communities.
How to serve your community on Martin Luther King Day:
- Collect clothing and personal care items for a women's or men's shelter
- Serve meals at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen
- Volunteer with youth programs
- Clean up a local park or your neighborhood
- Support a local group or cause that you are passionate about
Embracing compassion, encouraging peace, standing with and not against your neighbors – this is the message and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On this day, share his hopes and dreams by giving back, extend your hand to those in need and let kindness prevail. What better way to pay tribute to Dr. King than to carry on his legacy of service by making our neighborhoods a better place to call home?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Fair Housing Legacy
Today, as we look back and remember the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., we also recognize and celebrate the impact he continues to have on the real estate industry for over five decades.
During the early 20th century, discriminatory housing practices segregated and relegated African-Americans to live in low-income areas with poor-quality residences. Dr. King saw this as a key component of racial injustice in the United Sates and in 1966 co-led the Chicago Freedom Movement, a campaign that fought for the right of Black Americans to seek housing wherever they pleased. At that time, Dr. King famously said:
"We are here today because we are tired. We are tired of paying more for less... We are tired of living in rat-infested slums... Now is the time for making real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of us."
One week after Dr. King's assassination in 1968, the Fair Housing Act was signed into law.
"We must use time creatively in the knowledge that the time is right to do what is always right."
-- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Coldwell Banker Realty fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act, which protects all people from discrimination when renting or buying a home, getting a mortgage, seeking housing assistance or engaging in other housing-related activities.
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
-- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
If you're considering buying a house in the Greater Charlotte area, please reach out to me. It would be my honor to help you find the home of your dreams.
"We must learn to live together or perish as fools."
-- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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