Judith Schiavone: A different kind of love letter 

It’s that time of year of manufactured love, a commodification of the sacred. Here’s my “real love” letter in memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., prophet of love and wisdom.

In 1968, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. launched the Poor People’s Campaign, specifically including poor white people,and highlighting three interlocking evils: systemic racism, poverty and the war economy. I do believe, along with many others, his bold truth telling of the war economy and the inclusion of poor white people in the struggle to justice, led to his murder shortly afterwards.

Today, Rev. Dr. William J. Barber III and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis, the co-chairs of the Poor People’s Campaign, continue to amplify Dr. King’s message of the interlocking evils including ecological devastation and the distorted moral narrative of white Christian nationalism. It is my opinion, based on my personal experience of the beloved community with the Poor People’s Campaign, that indeed the civil rights movement is alive today. Marian Wright Edelman, long-time civil rights activist and president emeritas of The Children’s Defense Fund, is on the board of directors — that’s all I needed to know.

The Poor People’s Campaign includes all who are hurting from poverty, low wages, lack of health care, sky-high rents and utilities, the unhoused, veterans and their families, ecological destruction, etc.— and speaks truth about profiteers who get rich while we suffer. With over 140 million poor, low-wage workers, and low-wealth people which includes most of us, people of all “races,” with allies across all socio-economic backgrounds, walking towards justice, “we will reach God’s holy ,ountain.” Together. My heart is deeply grateful for the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Poor People’s Campaign. Love will overcome hate. May we know love. Amen.

Judith Schiavone

Amherst 

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