Martin Luther King Jr. once said “The ultimate measure of a man is … where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

In the past 12 months as we witnessed more instances of ongoing police violence against African Americans—as well as the overwhelming and disproportionate toll of COVID-19 on communities of color—millions of Americans woke up to the fight for racial justice and equity in our local communities.

Aligning with the fight for equity, United Way of St. Joseph County’s work focuses on health, education, and financial stability for every person in our community, particularly those in traditionally underserved neighborhoods.

We, as a community, can and must do better to guarantee that the basic human rights and freedoms of every person in St. Joseph County are protected. We must all do our part, working United, to make our community a place where everyone has the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive.

To that end, we are calling on you to join us in the fight for equity and justice in our community. 

The fight for racial justice and equity is far from over. It will take everyone working together, United for equity, United for change. As King once said, “If you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl, but by all means, keep moving.”