Cultivate Community Food Co-op and “The Dream” Most of us are familiar with his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, but how many know of Dr. King’s work to effect economic change and that cooperatives were aligned with his vision?
After seeing the Civil Rights Act passed in 1964 and the Voting Rights Act in 1965, Dr. King began to focus on economic change. He wanted to solve the issue of poverty for everyone. In fact, he supported the cooperative model, where people could actively change their socio-economic environment by coming together to own businesses as a community. This creates jobs and the profits stay in the local area.
Following the Civil War, as the Black community continued to gain more and more of the rights that were due to all citizens, there was still the specter of racism, violence, and economic inequity. As a result, African Americans continued to use the cooperative business model they had used for years in order to serve and uplift their communities from within so they could be self-reliant and free from an economic system that continued to shut them out.
Because co-ops are locally owned, we are focused on our local community. Our advocacy is not for some far-off big corporation or CEO, but for our families, friends, and neighbors right here in Vallejo and Benicia. Our profits will be distributed amongst our owners or reinvested in our store, depending on how our owners vote. We will bring good-paying jobs to the community. The products we sell—from produce to pasta—will be sourced with a focus on local producers.
Our goal in launching CCFC is much greater than opening a grocery store—it’s creating a space to connect and uplift everyone in our entire community. If you haven’t already, come join us now and be a part of this exciting, positive addition to our region!
Very brief highlights about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr:
- Most often known for his work for civil rights, voting rights, and non-violent action.
- Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, the youngest recipient at the time.
- Began speaking out about economic injustice in 1965 and continued to do so until his tragic assassination in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968.
- Envisioned a “Poor People’s Campaign”, a multiracial coalition of the impoverished.
Photo credit: https://www.foodcoop.coop/; Wedge Community Food Co-op, Minneapolis.
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