Dr. MLK, Jr: A Legacy of Grassroots Activism

Contrary to what the LBJ estate would have you believe, Dr. King didn’t always have consistent allies in the White House as he worked tirelessly to fight against government oppression and economic exclusion of Black Americans. 

Dr. King’s work largely centered on supporting and uplifting local grassroots campaigns in places like Selma, Birmingham, Albany, GA, and Chicago. His legacy is a reminder that effective local organizing can transform national conversations and, eventually, policy.  

This Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we both take inspiration from his values and learn from his tactics. Instead of focusing on who is currently in the White House, we can use today to invest in local campaigns that can change our country for the better. 

Here are some of the most inspiring local anti-police violence campaigns:

• Poder In Action (Phoenix, AZ) – Support their People’s Budget to reduce contact with the police and the arrest-to-deportation pipeline https://secure.everyaction.com/koJaukmdTEiRzO0Po62aQQ2
• Chainless Change (Broward County, FL) – Volunteer to help an organization advocating for reforms in one of Florida’s most dangerous jails. https://secure.everyaction.com/iKoP02plpUOoUvr1st9Kuw2
• Stop Cop City (Atlanta, GA) – Take action with activists in Atlanta to Stop Cop City https://stopcop.city/organize-with-us/
• 1Hood- (Pittsburgh, PA) – Donate to help build and demonstrate power in Western PA’s Black communities. https://secure.actblue.com/donate/1hoodpower

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Photo Source:

“The Selma March to Montgomery began 51 years ago today #RightToVote #UseItWisely” by tammy anthony baker is licensed under CC BY 2.0.