Martin Luther King Also Fought For 'Economic Justice,' NJ Activists Say

NEWARK, NJ — Fifty-five years ago, just eight days before his assassination, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited Newark to promote the Poor People’s Campaign, the final phase in his fight for racial justice. It included demands for jobs, unemployment insurance, education and a “fair minimum wage” – all issues that still echo in 2023, a Brick City-based nonprofit says.

And there’s one thing that’s certain, according to the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice (NJISJ): “Dr. King knew that achieving freedom required economic justice.”

As New Jersey prepares to celebrate another Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the nonprofit advocacy group is reminding people that there is still much work to be done in the iconic civil rights leader’s name.

“As we mark Dr. King’s 94th birthday this coming weekend, even with much progress behind us, economic justice remains illusory for too many in Newark – as well as the entire state of New Jersey and the nation,” NJISJ president Ryan Haygood wrote in an email.

“Though New Jersey is one of the wealthiest states in America, it is also home to one of the largest racial wealth gaps in the country: a $300,000 disparity between household wealth for Black and white families,” he continued.

“Just as we have Two Americas, we have Two New Jerseys,” Haygood wrote. Read More: Racial Gaps Still Plague NJ, Advocates Say

There are plenty of battles left to fight, Haygood pointed out.

“That's why just this week we signed onto a U.S. Supreme Court brief urging the court to uphold President [Joe] Biden's student debt relief program,” he said. “The Institute has long advocated for relief from crippling student loan debt which often impacts young people of color.”

Other suggestions for economic parity in a recent report from the NJISJ include:

Baby Bonds – “Create and fully fund a universal baby bonds program that is progressively designed to provide the greatest support to children of color from low-wealth households (A1579/S768).” See Related: New Jersey 'Baby Bonds' Could Shrink Gap Between Rich, Poor

Guaranteed Income – “Develop and resource targeted guaranteed income pilot programs in northern, central and southern New Jersey urban communities.” See Related: Newark Gave 400 People 'Guaranteed Income' – See How They Spent It

Cancel Student Loan Debt – “Cancel student loan debt and avoid future student debt with expansion of tuition-free college and increased state investments in higher education.” See Related: Student Loan Forgiveness Could Change Lives In NJ – Here's How

Expand Homeownership – “Strengthen New Jersey’s existing homeownership programs and launch new initiatives to meet the specific needs of Black families and reduce racial homeownership disparities.” See Related: Foreclosed Homes Should Go To Families, Not Flippers, NJ Lawmakers Say

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