People Behind GreenPath: Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- January 17, 2022
Today we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
GreenPath is committed to helping our country, our communities, and our team members make progress against inequalities, in the spirit of Dr. King.
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and his “I have a Dream” speech, a few of our employees shared their reflections of Dr. King’s call to action and how they may be working towards his dreams today. Here is what they shared.
Kristen – President & CEO
My dream is to live out my purpose and make a positive impact on our world and community. I strive to do this every day and know I can always do better. I try to be a better leader, parent, and spouse every day, to listen, to model empathy, to speak up, and to make sure our work is making a difference.
Maurice – Marketing Operations Coordinator
Before I could imagine my dream, I had to start with my reality. A reality that became much clearer facing the brutal murders of George Floyd, Breanna Taylor, and others like them who have lost their lives during my lifetime because of hate. It was a realization that not only are we still fighting against hate but we as a people are still fighting for our humanity. Feeling as if it is a crime simply to be me in my own world because someone else thinks I am not worthy, not capable, not equal creates a wound so deep that one could almost lose hope.
I have begun to understand that my responsibility in changing the narrative of hate that impedes us will be my most rewarding task. My first step in helping to change the narrative of hate meant sharing my truths of myself that I had kept hidden with those I love even if it meant losing them. It meant seeking answers to questions I have been longing to find. It meant doing the real work, getting involved with my community, my people, with myself. I dug deep into my spirit and came out with an understanding that not all of God’s mysteries are meant to be solved. There only exist two true emotions, love or fear. When in doubt, I must always choose love. Love is easier because that is what we come from, that is where we started and I dream that is where we will end. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. quoted “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Erin – IT Business Analyst
I dream of a day where there is true equality, and everyone has the same chances at living a happy and fulfilling life. To work toward this, I have tried to be vulnerable and remain open to listening and learning. I try to educate others by sharing what I learn (and always crediting my sources/paying them for their labor). I support educators and activists that are also working towards this dream, and I set aside funds monthly to sponsor folks that did not start out at the same privileged place that I did. My dream is that we are able to disrupt the current system and work toward a better one that gives everyone a true chance to succeed, and that we support one another without question because we value our fellow humans.
Resources to Explore
Today, and throughout January, we celebrate and honor the work, life, and legacy of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This national holiday isn’t simply a day off but “a day on” to volunteer and give back to our communities and causes that matter to each of us. Here are some resources to explore if you are looking for ways to volunteer.
The King Center: Established in 1968 by Mrs. Coretta Scott King, The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (“The King Center”) was envisioned by its founder to be “no dead monument, but a living memorial filled with all the vitality that was his, a center of human endeavor, committed to the causes for which he lived and died.”
Day of Service Resources: It’s always a good time to understand how to serve.
King Kids: Resources for Kids to help everyone fully understand the importance of this day.
Detroit Voices: Many in Detroit face unique barriers on their journey to financial wellness, as well as the strategies that can be used to overcome them. Learn more about an important Detroit initiative organized by GreenPath.
GreenPath’s Commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access
GreenPath is committed to intentionally working toward a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We recognize this is a journey, and it will take a long-term effort. Financial inequities are real, and our work can help.
To help other organizations move forward with similar efforts, our detailed white paper includes our journey to advance inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) initiatives within and outside of our organization.
