Drum Major Institute Unveils Funding to further its Commitment to Social Justice Organizations at the Forefront of Safeguarding Democracy
DMI Staff
Washington, D.C. – On the 56th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, his eldest son, Martin Luther King III, Chairman of the Drum Major Institute (DMI) and wife, Arndrea Waters King, DMI’s President, announce that 16 organizations focused on preserving democracy will receive a round of grant funding. In honor of Dr. King’s legacy and commitment to racial justice and equity, the DMI reaffirms support of grassroots programs and initiatives across the country.
The Drum Major Institute, a non-profit organization founded on the ideals of Dr. King, has been investing in black and brown community organizations since the introduction of its coalition effort in August 2022, which was launched during the 60th Anniversary March on Washington.
Among the organizations receiving funding this year are:
Alabama
Appalachian Region
Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund
Florida
Florida Rights Restoration Coalition
Georgia
Black Male Voter Project Education Fund
North Carolina
Mississippi
National
Human Trafficking Legal Center
Mi Familia Vota Education Fund
Pennsylvania
Texas
Wisconsin
“We applaud the dedicated efforts of each of these organizations, who are at the heart of the effort to promote freedom, justice, and equality by leveraging the power of grassroots organizing to ensure that democracy is upheld. As firm believers in Dr. King’s dream, our commitment is to carry forward his legacy and work toward his goal of building a beloved community—a society in which we can live harmoniously and where poverty, racism, and violence are eradicated,” said Arndrea Waters King, DMI President
From Alabama to Texas and across the country, the diverse groups focus on a variety of issues including advancing racial, economic, and criminal justice, voting rights advocacy, building political power through the empowerment of the Black and Brown communities, social justice for marginalized individuals, and working against disenfranchisement and discrimination of all types. All the organizations have deep roots within the communities that they serve and are focused on elevating the voices of Black and Brown Americans to ensure representation at all levels of the political process. Collectively, the organizations are leading a vital movement to preserve this country’s democratic principles and legislation achieved by Dr. King’s courageous fight for civil rights.
Highlighting his father’s legacy and the importance of securing the nation’s democracy, Martin Luther King III noted: “Now more than ever, we recognize that a lot of work remains to be done in realizing my father’s dream. This latest group of dedicated community organizations are leading a critical struggle to ensure that the voices of our brothers and sisters in communities across our country are taken in account and that hard won freedoms are preserved for generations to come.”
As President of DMI, Arndrea Waters King, added: “We applaud the dedicated efforts of each of these organizations, who are at the heart of the effort to promote freedom, justice, and equality by leveraging the power of grassroots organizing to ensure that democracy is upheld. As firm believers in Dr. King’s dream, our commitment is to carry forward his legacy and work toward his goal of building a beloved community—a society in which we can live harmoniously and where poverty, racism, and violence are eradicated.”
Today, the Kings are participating in the National Civil Rights Museum’s “Remembering MLK: The Man. The Movement.” Commemoration in Memphis. They will join a special evening program to honor Dr. King’s life and work. The DMI grants are an important part of commemorating his memory and highlighting that his legacy lives on.