Dr. King’s Radical Legacy on Wealth and Justice: A Call to Action for MLK Day

As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this MLK Day, it’s easy to focus on his famous “I Have a Dream” speech and the victories of the Civil Rights Movement. But let’s not forget that Dr. King’s vision for America was far more radical than many are willing to acknowledge. He didn’t just dream of racial equality—he envisioned a society where wealth, power, and politics served the many, not the privileged few.

Dr. King’s later years were marked by outspoken criticism of capitalism and economic inequality. He described capitalism as having “outlived its usefulness” and spoke openly about the need for systemic change. In his final book, Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?, he called for a “radical redistribution of economic and political power.” His vision wasn’t just about racial justice; it was about economic justice, too. He warned that without addressing structural inequality, we risk becoming an oligarchy—a system where the wealthy elite hold disproportionate power, leaving the majority with little influence.

As we reflect on his legacy, it’s worth noting a striking irony: MLK Day falls on the same day as Inauguration Day, when politicians often invoke Dr. King’s name while failing to live up to his values. Many are quick to quote King’s words but slow to embrace his call for justice and equity. This contrast highlights the ongoing struggle to align our nation’s leadership with the values King championed.

Today, the tech industry—a sector that shapes much of our economy and culture—exemplifies some of these challenges. While tech innovation has created vast wealth and opportunities, it has also contributed to widening inequality and a concentration of power. Tech billionaires wield enormous influence over politics and public policy, often promoting agendas that benefit their interests at the expense of workers and marginalized communities. Dr. King’s belief in collective action and accountability stands in stark contrast to this growing dominance.

Equally troubling is the recent move away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, often framed as a backlash against “wokeness.” These efforts are not just corporate buzzwords; they are critical to creating workplaces and communities that reflect fairness and opportunity for all. Rejecting DEI undermines the very principles of equality and justice that Dr. King fought for. He would have viewed these rollbacks as a betrayal of progress, a step backward in the fight for a just society.

Fast forward to today, and the issues King fought against—wealth inequality, unchecked corporate power, and systemic oppression—remain. In fact, many of these problems have deepened. Consider the Trump administration’s Project 2025 and Agenda 47. These initiatives promise to dismantle federal protections, concentrating power in ways that King would have fiercely opposed. They aim to shrink government oversight, erode labor rights, and weaken the social safety nets that many marginalized communities rely on.

Dr. King’s vision stands in stark contrast to this. He understood that wealth and power must be held accountable to the people. He championed policies like a universal basic income and greater investment in education, healthcare, and housing—policies designed to uplift everyone, not just the wealthy elite.

For those of us who believe in using wealth as a force for good, King’s legacy offers a blueprint. Sustainable investing, conscious capitalism, and philanthropy aligned with social justice are ways we can continue his work. Every dollar we invest, donate, or spend is an opportunity to align our financial power with our values.

On this MLK Day, let’s honor Dr. King not just with words but with action. Consider:

1. Redirecting Wealth: Support businesses and funds that prioritize social equity and environmental sustainability. Check out tools like Ethical Consumer, Done Good, Progressive Shopper, Goods Unite Us, and Buycott.
2. Invest Your Values: Do you own mutual funds or ETF's in your portfolio? Check out the Invest Your Values screening tool by As You Sow.
3. Advocating for Change: Demand policies that challenge the status quo and prioritize fairness. If you own individual stocks, use platforms like iconik to automate your proxy votes to align with your beliefs. 
4. Educating Ourselves and Others: Learn about how economic justice ties into racial and social justice.
5. Support Causes You Care About: Charitable giving is a powerful way to effect change. Consider donating cash, appreciated securities, or even your time to nonprofits that champion your values. Tools like donor-advised funds can simplify giving while maximizing the impact of your contributions.

Dr. King’s dream wasn’t just about civil rights; it was about creating a society where everyone had access to opportunity, dignity, and security. Let’s embrace the radical spirit of his vision and commit to building a better future.