MLK’s Legacy: A Blueprint for Today
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy is felt around the world, and here in Chicago as well. Dr. King spoke about how leaders from Chicago marched with discipline and restraint even when antagonized by racist bystanders. Dr. King initially questioned whether this strategy of non-violent, peaceful protest would make a difference in the face of a violent oppressor, but it was Chicago that reassured him. It showed him that his peaceful strategy was impactful—that when leaders could channel the energy of their communities toward a movement that was moving, we could stand in the face of adversity as an example of the transformation we want to see in America. Without violence, we can disrupt the system. We must.
After the killing of Renee Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Minneapolis, we must continue to follow Dr. King’s strategy in combating this violent administration and oppressor in 2026 through continued peaceful non-violent protest. This administration is constantly projecting its own violent transgressions onto us. We cannot let them get away with this gaslighting. To honor Dr. King, we must call out every act of violence done to our people.
This administration, similar to past administrations in the ‘60s, is refusing to take accountability for the underlying causes of our protests and its own role in them. This administration is calling non-violent protesters “domestic terrorists”—all the while they are killing us in the streets for exercising our rights. These actions are unlawful, unjust, and unconstitutional. If we want to see true progress, we must heed Dr. King's blueprint and reflect the change we want to see in our actions against this authoritarian administration.
In honor of MLK and his legacy, we must call out the unconstitutional actions taken by the White House. Is this still America when the government itself ignores a court order and wrongly deports an individual? Is this still America, the “home of the free,” if we are no longer able to exercise our fundamental rights to freedom of speech? Dr. King once said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” He stood for equality, human rights, and justice. Let us continue to honor him and his legacy by advocating for a community that is free, just, and welcoming to all.
Policy and Organizing Associate