It Takes a Village: Building Dr. King’s Beloved Community
By: Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon, author of No One Is Self-Made
As we approach two significant days in our history—Inauguration Day and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day—we are reminded of their distinct relevance, each rich in meaning for what the United States values but united by powerful opportunities for action. In this moment, I reflect on Dr. King’s profound words: “I do not think of political power as an end. Neither do I think of economic power as an end. They are ingredients in the objective that we seek in life. And I think that end of that objective is a truly brotherly society, the creation of the Beloved Community.”
While philosopher-theologian Josiah Royce first coined “The Beloved Community,” Dr. King elevated its goal. For him, the Beloved Community was not merely an idealistic dream but a tangible and attainable objective. It represented a future in which a committed and educated group of individuals, grounded in the principles of nonviolence, could work together to bring about societal transformation. Dr. King’s Beloved Community has been a source of inspiration for me and my work for many years. In a time when half of our nation will be celebrating Inauguration Day while the other half continues to process Election outcomes, it’s clear that Dr. King’s vision of this community is one we must strive to bring back. A community where love, justice, and unity triumph over division.
Our Part in Building the Beloved Community
Like Dr. King, I understand that leadership is not just about individual success but about creating systems that uplift the collective. That’s why my mantra, “Support is a Verb,” goes beyond financial transactions; it’s about creating real, tangible connections that empower people to grow together. This vision of shared responsibility — building up others to ensure no one is left behind — is at the heart of the Beloved Community. So, how can we contribute to building this together?
- Empowering Collective Success: Dr. King’s advocacy for economic justice, especially through his Poor People’s Campaign, highlighted that racial progress is inextricably linked to economic equity. He understood that wealth and opportunity should be distributed fairly, not hoarded by a privileged few. Just as Dr. King sought to replace unjust economic systems with those that served the people, our work, efforts, time, and money must be rooted in creating economic vehicles that empower all communities.
Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community wasn’t just about political power but uplifting communities through action. His belief in nonviolent resistance and his emphasis on the power of collaborative effort — whether through the Montgomery Bus Boycott or the March on Washington — demonstrate that meaningful change requires a united front.
In my own journey, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact of economic empowerment, collective action, and holistic wellness on building resilient communities. Through The Village Market, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of intentional engagement, with businesses flourishing when given the proper tools and support. Education and empowerment were central to Dr. King’s mission and to our work at my nonprofit, Our Village United. To build the Beloved Community, we must invest in educational programs, mentorship, and professional development for those around us. Whether through offering apprenticeships, scholarships, or access to knowledge and resources, working together lays the foundation for a prosperous, interconnected ecosystem. - Fostering Inclusivity and Compassion: Dr. King emphasized the importance of a community where everyone is valued and everyone is given the dignity they deserve. As leaders and entrepreneurs, we are responsible for creating inclusive environments that boldly uplift all voices, especially those from marginalized communities.
- Practicing Nonviolent Communication: Nonviolent communication is at the heart of Dr. King’s philosophy. It’s not just about the absence of physical violence but also about how we interact with one another. As leaders, we must approach every situation with empathy, patience, and understanding. Let’s practice active listening and seek reconciliation, even in conflict. We strengthen our communities and businesses through empathetic dialogue and peaceful resolution, ensuring we are all rising together.
- Staying Civically Engaged: Dr. King’s call for civic engagement remains critical today. His fight for voting rights, his encouragement to engage with elected officials, and his work to hold leaders accountable are still vital in our efforts to rebuild the Beloved Community. We cannot rest on the progress of the past. We must continue to advocate for policies that serve everyone and make our voices heard in the halls of power. At all levels of government, we should be intentional about closing the wealth gap, supporting policies that encourage fair wages, and advocating for access to resources that empower our communities.
By activating these principles, we honor Dr. King’s legacy and realize his vision for the Beloved Community, where prejudice no longer exists because a spirit of love, justice, and inclusivity replaces it. The Beloved Community must still serve as a call to action—a vision that is not only achievable but necessary for the survival and flourishing of all people. It demands intentionality, unity, and a deep sense of collective responsibility.
The Beloved Community is unfinished, and it’s up to us all to reignite that spirit of shared responsibility. As Dr. King once said, “The end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the Beloved Community.” It’s time to move from words to deeds.
Let’s create that community together!