Build the Beloved Community with Habitat

In the month of February, we observe Black History Month. It’s a time to recognize and to celebrate the innumerable contributions Black Americans have made to our society – contributions made all that much more powerful in the face of systemic injustices amassed against them.

One important figure in that history, certainly, is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose legacy and work we aspire to carry forward through our own work. In particular, we strive to build what Dr. King called “a Beloved Community."

The King Center describes a Beloved Community simply, as a community “where injustice ceases and love prevails.” It’s a community centered on equity and shared humanity. It’s a community directly in line with our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

On April 1st, we will honor this vision and the legacy of Dr. King with the Beloved Community Build. Gathering at Esperanza Place, volunteers from around the community will build together – but at the end of the day, we’ll see more progress than siding installed or shingles nailed down. Through discussion and learning and opportunities to connect and reflect, we’ll see a community engaged in Dr. King’s vision. A community committed to continue the work. A community of love in action.

Space is limited, but there is still time to join us for the Beloved Community Build with your community group or a sponsoring team. 

The Build, of course, is but one day of work and reflection on long path toward building a Beloved Community. Whether or not you can join us on April 1st, we hope that you’ll stay involved in this effort throughout the year, as we share educational resources, opportunities to engage, and ways we continue to work toward equity.

Among the many lessons Dr. King left us with, we think often on this, which he spoke two months before his assassination in 1968: “…Everybody can be great because everybody can serve… You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love. And you can be that servant.”