2021 MLK Day

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day presents the perfect opportunity to reflect, commemorate, and celebrate this leader’s immense impact on the equality and well-being of all Americans. While we continue to strive for a perfect and equitable society, we should also recognize how far we’ve come since the merciless days of legal racial segregation. We should also identify the actions we can take to positively impact our communities, especially during the continued pandemic and the insurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Dr. King, a selfless, peace-promoting, resilient leader, strove to create a better environment for not just himself, but for everyone who looked like him. And, despite the challenges he constantly faced, Dr. King relentlessly stepped forward, speaking up and fighting for justice. His activism led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent Executive Orders that paved the way for minority business as we know it today. Dr. King encouraged Black Americans to embrace entrepreneurship and economic strategy as a means to uplift the Black community. Here at the Council, our mission of supporting minority business enterprises and promoting diverse suppliers directly reflects Dr. King’s vision.

He fought for a world where all Americans, regardless of the color of their skin, are equally capable of achieving the American dream. While he may be dismayed to see some of the inequities that persist in our world today, I can confidently affirm that he would be proud of our robust minority business community. The Council pledges to continue advancing minority business through informative webinars, unique networking opportunities, and transformative connections between corporate members and diverse suppliers. Review our calendar for upcoming activities.

Take pride in your success today while you reflect on Dr. King and the many activists who made our work possible. In commemoration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and in honor of the movement he inspired, let us work together to make 2021 a successful and prosperous year for all minority businesses.

Sincerely,

Terrence Clark