2021: Honoring Martin Luther King’s Legacy

On January 18, we honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a day of service and remembrance, knowing there is still so much more work to be done to build a stronger, equal and safer society.

Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be.
 
We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.
 
— Martin Luther King, Jr.

While today has often been a chance to reflect and celebrate the work and sacrifices Martin Luther King, Jr. made to advance racial equity through in-person marches and community gatherings, the ongoing pandemic has meant refraining from many of the usual ways we’ve celebrated and honored his legacy.

This year is different in other ways, too, markedly, following global demonstrations in reaction to decades of racial injustice occurring in the United States and underscoring the fact that no person or organization is immune from the negative impact of racial bias.

We’ve asked our OneDigital team members to share how they plan to honor his legacy this year and thoughts about how to rise in the face of adversity:

This MLK Day, I will volunteer with friends and colleagues at the Historic Ebeneezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Ga, where MLK was a lead pastor. Together, but socially distanced, we will pack and prepare 1000 meals for families experiencing food insecurities. MLK exemplified stewardship in his quest for equality and justice, and I am humbled by the opportunity to do my small part in continuing his legacy. When we take a bold stance against adversity and couple it with action, we’re destined to find a breakthrough—that or we become the breakthrough we seek.
 
— Paul Jackson, Mergers and Acquisitions Integration Specialist, OneDigital

At this time in history, it’s my sense that this Dr. King quote is extremely relevant: ‘The ultimate measure of a person is not where one stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where one stands in times of challenge and controversy.’ My plan is to reflect on how I can be a better ally to BiPoC individuals and identify spaces where I can amplify their voices until they consistently have a seat at the table.
 
— Gail Fottrell-Jones, Senior HR Consultant, OneDigital

Although we commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. on this particular day, the conversation and efforts to eradicate racism, intolerance and hate must be ongoing.

As a company, OneDigital is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness through continued education, culture and policies and a financial commitment allocating 50% of the funds raised during the Virtual OneDigital Dash to specific diversity, equity and inclusion-focused organizations.

Learn more about OneDigital’s promise to stand against racial inequity.