Dr. King’s Legacy of Faith in Action

By: Isra Qadri and Qudsia Saeed, MPAC Policy Interns

Black History Month is a call to honor the many African Americans who have pushed, and continue to push, for an equal and just nation. Without their resiliency, progress would be lost. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. unequivocally transformed American society through his lifelong commitment to social justice and equality. Dr. King cautioned us about the injustices that continue to plague our society in the 21st century — from voter disenfranchisement to police violence afflicting communities of color, particularly in Black communities. The abuses he sought to end have endured, yet the spirit of resistance and advancement that he embodied remains. 

Throughout his life, Dr. King used religious principles as a catalyst for social justice and was inspired by his Christian upbringing. His values also reflect in Islamic ideals of combating injustices and celebrating diversity. Black Muslims comprise the largest population of native-born Muslims in the US. Muslims also use their faith as a guiding principle, and with nearly 4 million Muslims of all backgrounds living in the US, it reminds us of the importance of understanding intersectional allyship within our own community. 

The backsliding of American democracy endangers marginalized communities, who are on the frontlines of experiencing limitations to civil rights and liberties. Our vibrant and diverse communities have a responsibility to honor Dr. King’s legacy and stand together in the face of adversity by working to strengthen our democratic ideals.  

To read more on Dr. King’s legacy and the continuing fight for justice, click here.