Today, on the 40th anniversary of his assassination in Memphis, the NAACP honors the memory and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Forty years after his death, America has seen some progress in equality: educational opportunities have increased and workplaces and political leadership are more diverse. But when you consider these facts, it is very clear that we still have a long way to go.
- African Americans represent just 12% of the overall population, yet almost 30% of those arrested are African American. And once arrested, African Americans are three times more likely to be incarcerated than whites.
- The average net worth of white families is $70,000, compared to just $6,000 for African-American families.
- African-American women are 10% less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer than white women, but 36% more likely to die of breast cancer than white women.
Dr. King’s involvement with the NAACP dates back to his work in Alabama in the 1950′s, and the NAACP honored Dr. King with its most prestigious prize, the Spingarn Award. We were proud to work side by side with Dr. King, and to carry on our work today on behalf of all people of color.
Dr. King pushed America to fulfill its promise of equal rights for all. Today we should all honor his life and legacy by recommitting ourselves to keeping the dream alive.
Sincerely,
Dennis Courtland Hayes
Interim President
April 4, 2008
