by Jamila Ward

“We believe the highest patriotism demands the ending of the war and the opening of a bloodless war to final victory over racism and poverty.” -Dr. Martin Luther King

What better person to celebrate throughout the month of January than Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As the leader of the “Poor Peoples Campaign”, he dedicated efforts toward addressing issues of economic injustice and housing for the poor. In late 1967, Dr. King came to Washington to announce that there would be a poor people's march to bring awareness to poverty in America. Although Dr. King did not live to see that march, thousands of poor people from all over the country, some in mule-drawn wagons, came to Washington and set up plywood shacks on the Great Mall. This small shanty town became known as the historical Resurrection City.

The purpose of Resurrection City was to bring together poor people of all backgrounds and put the faces of poverty right on the government’s front lawn. After six weeks of protests throughout the District, Resurrection City came to end. Although the city was shut down, the movement was not lost. It left a strong impression on the country about the importance of lending a hand to fight against poverty.

Dr. Martin Luther King devoted his life’s work to causes of equality and social justice. His example of nonviolence and servitude paved a way for the United Sates to make great leadway in overcoming the vices of poverty and inequality. As we celebrate his birthday this month, let us all remember the impact that he had on homelessness right here in our own back yard. May we all carry out his dream and continue to fight against the plight of homelessness and addiction in our Nation’s Capitol.