Inspired by Dr. King: A Pledge to Whole-Person Healthcare and Justice

As I reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s life and legacy, I think about the vast collection of speeches, sermons, and books he left behind to empower the African American community and lead, guide, and direct all of us on how to improve race relations in difficult times. We need that more today than ever before, especially as we strive to inspire hope and provide compassionate, whole-person healthcare for everyone.

Dr. King’s I Have a Dream speech urged those seeking freedom to uphold a higher moral standard, meeting violence with love and faith. He also highlighted the importance of recognizing white allies who saw their fight for justice as linked to that of Black Americans.

Call me naïve, but I believe the ills of our society could be resolved if more people understood that Dr. King’s dream still matters to address the inequality in our schools, to combat the injustices of our judicial system, and to overcome partisan rhetoric.

I get emotional reflecting on the bonds I share with so many in the African American community – connections that transcend race, religion, and politics. While some have questioned my relationship with the African American community, I am reminded of how people once also questioned Dr. King’s commitment to the community. In his letter from Birmingham Jail, he responded to the criticism by stating, “I was invited” because injustice resides here. I too, was invited to take part in addressing the injustices of our community.

In his book, Where Do We Go from Here, Dr. King stresses that hope against despair is essential for the future of the movement and the empowerment of Black people. He also emphasizes that integration is not enough: inclusion in a white-dominated society does not equate to justice.

As a leader of a healthcare organization, I am motivated by Dr. King’s words when he said, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in healthcare is the most shocking and inhumane.” So, with all the uncertainties in our communities, I want to reassure you that I and the team at InterCommunity will continue to fight for equity and equality for all people regardless of our differences. InterCommunity will continue to inspire hope and promote whole-person health by providing high-quality, affordable, compassionate healthcare for everyone.

Kimberly L. Beauregard, LCSW

President and CEO

InterCommunity Health Care