In June of 2020 we published a report on a march for justice that took place at AMS where our employees determined to make their voices heard with regard to the killing of George Floyd. It was a painful time, and yet important to recognize that we – human beings – are growing and evolving with regard to racism and racial discrimination. We want no more of it! No more racism, discrimination, prejudice, and no more license for law enforcement to take a life because that life is worth ‘less’. We insisted “Black Lives Matter” and made our feelings known.
AMS is a B Corporation, and as such we are firmly committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. The world has changed and continues to change, humanity has evolved and continues to evolve, and we are so very grateful to play a role in this evolution. We enjoy a diverse workforce, and we benefit from it. We believe in equity and inclusion and we make sure our business practices match our beliefs.
Perhaps it’s hard to realize that in Grandmother’s childhood this country fought a battle against racial segregation, Black codes, Jim Crow laws and incredible injustices. Some very great battles for our humanity took place well within the lifetime of today’s elders and we very much need to remember these battles and honor the leaders who stood up against a system that was clearly inhumane.
On Monday, January 16, 2022 we pause to honor and give thanks to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who gave his life for the upliftment of his People. There is information at History.com on the life of Dr. King. Here follows a brief quote:
“Martin Luther King Jr. was a social activist and Baptist minister who played a key role in the American civil rights movement from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. King sought equality and human rights for African Americans, the economically disadvantaged and all victims of injustice through peaceful protest. He was the driving force behind watershed events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the 1963 March on Washington, which helped bring about such landmark legislation as the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 and is remembered each year on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a U.S. federal holiday since 1986.” Read more HERE.
Dr. King and those who marched and stood with him changed the world. The Montgomery Bus Boycott took place in Montgomery, Alabama, as a protest against segregated seating (i.e., you go to the back of the bus). The boycott took place from December 5, 1955, to December 20, 1956, and is regarded as the first large-scale U.S. demonstration against segregation. Thank you Rosa Parks!
The March on Washington happened a mere 60 years ago. It was a massive protest, taking place in August of 1963. At this inspiring time some 250,000 people gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. to draw attention to continuing inequalities faced by African Americans. It was also the occasion of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
We can thank President John Kennedy for what came next. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin. It was proposed by President Kennedy and it survived strong opposition. It was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson, and it was followed by the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, and that recognition was a moment of pride. He went on to expand his fight for justice, including economically deprived people and opposing the war in Vietnam.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968, an event that sent shock waves reverberating around the world. There are many people alive today who were shocked and grieved and joined in the mourning. He was only 39 years old.
There was one more battle that had to take place, and that was the battle for a federal holiday honoring his life. It actually wasn’t until the year 2000 that every state in the Union finally observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day. You can read about that battle HERE.
We hope that during this federal holiday honor will be given to Dr. King and those who fought with him. At AMS Fulfillment we will use this time of remembering to dedicate ourselves to creating a world where diversity is enjoyed and appreciated, where no one is excluded and where fairness and equity is the bottom line.
Thank you Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for your inspiring legacy.