Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
When we think of Dr. King, it is easy to overlook that his ideas were, in fact, radical for his time. He challenged the nation to imagine a future that was unprecedented – one where the color of your skin does not determine your opportunities. As we celebrate his life and legacy, we reflect on some of the powerful parts of his message: that anyone can be a part of the march for justice; that we can go farther not by calling our enemies out, but by calling our neighbors and friends in; and that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
We need bold, radical solutions to meet the challenges of the climate crisis more than ever, yet the racism that still permeates our society and energy system holds back our vision for a successful, just transition to clean energy that includes everyone. In the United States, solar’s benefits still aren’t reaching communities of color at the same rate as predominantly white neighborhoods while communities of color also pay more of their income toward energy costs and experience higher rates of asthma and fossil fuel pollution.
Solar is an incredible tool because it’s about more than clean energy from the sun. Together with clean mobility, battery storage and workforce development, solar can be the cornerstone to building healthier, more resilient communities and creating lasting economic opportunity. This future will only ever be truly achieved within a framework of social, economic and environmental justice.
As we look forward, our work is defined by the belief that a climate and clean energy movement centered around justice and equity is one that would make Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. proud. We’re inspired to be working in community with our clients, partners and supporters furthering this movement because, as Dr. King said, “The time is always right to do what is right.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s work inspires GRID's mission - and inspires us as individuals.
“Everybody can be great ... because anybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” ~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.~
This to me is a rallying cry to consider that you are only an action away from greatness. This keeps me faithful and in action knowing that I too have the power. I do not have to wait for anyone to do what I think needs to be done.
My whole adult life has been an exercise in crashing through racial and social barriers. I have always crossed the divide by sharing my humanity and learning to discover and understand theirs. When the world sends me fear and doubt, reading this quote from MLK centers my mind and my efforts, allowing me to bring grace and love to the work that I do.
-Wanda Lee-Stevens, Talent Acquisition Manager
"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." ~Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.~
I think of this quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. any time we make steps forward into doing what is right, even if we won't know the exact outcome of our actions. The path for environmental sustainability and justice for all is a continuous one, and will most likely carry on after our lifetimes, but we still put efforts into it in hopes that it will make a positive impact for all those around us and for generations after. Therefore, continue the good fight even if you don't see the results right away, because you are making a difference whether you know it or not.
-Liz Viernes, SolarCorps Project Management Fellow