South Raleigh News

Every year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day provides an opportunity to honor the legacy of a significant leader. Dr. King was a visionary who highlighted both the flaws and potential of the nation. His commitment to truth often came at a personal cost, as evidenced by his imprisonment for organizing nonviolent protests in Birmingham and being assaulted during a march for housing integration in Chicago. His home in Montgomery was bombed while his family was inside, and he was assassinated after delivering his Mountaintop speech in Memphis.

Despite numerous advisements to take fewer risks for his safety, Dr. King persisted in advocating for civil rights, stating, “The time is always right to do what is right." Governor Stein recalls learning this lesson from his father and law partners Julius Chambers and James Ferguson, who established North Carolina’s first integrated law firm in Charlotte during the mid-1960s. Despite challenges like their office being firebombed in 1971, they achieved significant legal victories against discrimination.

Governor Stein acknowledges that North Carolina faces considerable challenges ahead but remains committed to fulfilling its promise as his guiding principle. Citing Dr. King's "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," he emphasizes that progress requires continuous effort rather than inevitability.

In addressing housing inequality, Governor Stein points out disparities: three-fourths of white families own homes compared to less than half of Black families in North Carolina. He advocates for increasing homeownership opportunities and expanding housing options statewide to ensure stability rather than stress.

Healthcare inequality is another focus area for improvement, referencing Dr. King's statement on healthcare injustice as shocking and inhumane. Governor Stein highlights issues such as mortality rates among Black mothers and insurance coverage gaps while celebrating Medicaid expansion efforts aimed at making healthcare more affordable and accessible.

Economic growth must benefit all residents according to Governor Stein's vision, echoing Dr. King's support for workers' rights before his assassination. Raising the minimum wage after 16 years without an increase and cutting taxes for working people are proposed measures alongside supporting small businesses across urban and rural areas alike.

Governor Stein concludes by urging readiness and determination inspired by Dr. King’s words: “Let us rise up with a greater readiness and determination.” By doing so collectively rooted in shared values like freedom justice opportunity everyone can build better brighter future together.