By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
The National Action Network (NAN) kicked off the first of two MLK Day events in Washington, D.C., with a breakfast and awards ceremony on Jan. 15 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s actual birthday.
In his opening remarks, NAN’s president, the Rev. Al Sharpton, who founded the civil rights organization in 1991, voiced his concerns about an escalating trend within American corporate boardrooms of rolling back or completely dismantling decades-old DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) policies and practices.
“While we are here to celebrate the birthday and honor the life of Dr. King, we know that this is a time that is both precarious and one which offers great promise,” Sharpton said. “But we’re ready for the challenges ahead.”
He announced that NAN will unveil a policy statement and plans in support of DEI during its second scheduled event, the MLK Day rally, on Jan. 20. This year both the King holiday and the inauguration of president-elect Donald Trump will occur on the same day.
“Dr. King was killed because of his commitment to the kinds of principles that serve as the foundation of DEI – inclusion, equality and diversity – and there’s no day more appropriate than his birthday to announce where we stand and what we’re prepared to do in support of those principles,” Sharpton said. “But to be clear, our rally on the King holiday should not be seen as a protest because of the incoming president and his administration. No, we will gather to affirm the dream of Dr. King.
“We [Black civil rights organizations] have stayed in our separate lanes since the advent of the Obama administration but now, given the trouble in America, we must work and stand together,” he said. “We cannot afford to be divided when there are those who want to end DEI, roll back voting rights and destroy programs essential to the health of our community like Medicaid and Medicare.”
Sharpton added that several of the strategies that proved successful during the days of Martin, Malcolm X and Medgar Evers will be utilized once more.
“We will boycott and end our relationship as consumers with those corporations who have yielded to political pressure and ended DEI or who have plans to do so in the future,” he said. “There will be a cost for their decision. We will not buy products or spend our dollars with those who do not respect us,” Sharpton concluded.
Award recipients and special guests reflect on the challenge ahead
Sharpton, joined by the event’s co-chairs, Martin King III and his wife, Arndrea Waters King, presented awards to honor those who have labored in the field in the service of those who continue to thirst and hunger for justice and equality and for whom Dr. King gave his life. Award recipients included: U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y); Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke; labor leaders, Eric Bunn Sr., national secretary-treasurer, American Federation of Government Employees, and the Rev. Terrence Melvin, secretary-treasurer, New York State AFL-CIO and president, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists; and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, who served as the national co-chair for Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign.
“Despite their best efforts, those who seek to turn back the clock and erase the advances achieved during the Civil Rights Movement will not succeed,” Congressman Jeffries said in his remarks. “Dr. King reminded us that the arc of the universe is bent toward justice so we know that one day, true freedom will ring in America. We must be prepared to oppose our enemies and defend programs like DEI which promote equality for all. That’s what Dr. King would want us to do. After all, Black history is American history.”
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), chairwoman, Congressional Black Caucus added, “Today’s awardees have all raised the bar for Black leadership in America and they, like all of us, continue to be inspired by Dr. King and his good works. Because we are Dr. King’s living legacy, I remain optimistic about the future while I am also aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Still, the CBC, with the largest number of elected officials in Congress in history, including four Black senators, know that our strength and unity represent our greatest asset.”
Arndrea King reminded guests of Dr. King’s source of strength. “Even in his weakest and most difficult moments, Dr. King listened for the still small voice – for God who told him to stand up for truth, justice and righteousness. We must do the same.”
As others shared their thoughts and hopes, Sharpton interrupted the program to announce a surprise guest.
“In 1972, folks said Shirley Chisholm was out of place. In 1984, they said the same about the Rev. Jesse Jackson Jr. Many expressed similar thoughts this year when one woman came very close to breaking the ceiling for all women–Black women in particular. And we are honored to have that woman with us today: Vice President Kamala Harris.”
Harris acknowledged Rev. Sharpton, saying she was glad to be among “so many other truthtellers and foot soldiers who are in the business of doing good work and lifting up the people.”
“The real measure of a leader is his or her commitment to lift up, not push down others. We must stand guard in this time of rampant disinformation, which if left unchecked, will lead more Americans into despair and hopelessness,” Harris said. “Dr. King taught us that ours is a journey. As the fight for freedom and civil rights continues, we know that many of today and tomorrow’s battles will be led by this new generation. But we will endure. We shall overcome.”
Rep. Crockett, who is known to be an outspoken agitator on Capitol Hill, vowed to uphold the legacy of Dr. King and former longtime congressman John Lewis, a contemporary of King and another tireless soldier in the fight for equal rights and justice.
“John Lewis said change takes time and it rarely happens at once. But until change comes, we will continue to safeguard Dr. King’s legacy who often said it doesn’t matter how long the road ahead may be as long as we keep on walking.”
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