Monthly News & Updates

January 2023 | Issue XXXVVVV

Reflecting on the Life and Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Each year, on the third Monday in January, the life and legacy of Dr. King is celebrated as a National Day of Service in honor of one of the Civil Rights Movement’s most prominent figures. Yet, the celebration of Dr. King’s life and legacy is largely sanitized. Dr. Cornel West refers to this phenomenon as “Santa Clausification”—where King is reduced to fighting for racial equality rather than the radical he truly was. We have forgotten that in the years before his death, King’s popularity rating fell to 32 percent in 1966. King was a staunch champion of the working class and the oppressed—regardless of the color of their skin—and demanded access to housing, employment, and healthcare. He stood firmly against the Vietnam War, U.S. militarism, and extreme materialism. He was an ally of the labor union movement.

If we are to truly celebrate and honor King’s life and legacy, we must look at the totality of the man rather than the parts of him that make us comfortable. Afterall, even he stated, ““I am nevertheless greatly saddened…that the inquirers have not really known me, my commitment, or my calling.”

Director's Note

Dear Residents, Neighbors, and Friends:

Though we all dread returning to work after the holidays, January marks another chance for each of us to reset, recharge, and recommit to ourselves, our communities, and to causes that are important to us. The fight for human and civil rights, and more broadly for inclusion and equity, can take their toll on us mentally, physically, and emotionally. Prioritizing our health this year should be a top priority so that we can continue Dr. King’s work.

Prior to his death, Dr. King organized the Poor People’s Campaign to advocate for access to housing, employment, and healthcare for poor and working-class Americans of diverse backgrounds. Though he is commonly associated with fighting for racial equality on the behalf of African Americans, towards the end of his life, King recognized the importance of all people having what they needed to survive. His words just as relevant today as they were in 1967: “We aren’t struggling to integrate a lunch counter now. We’re struggling to get some money to be able to buy a hamburger or a steak when we get to the counter.” The rising cost of living, unemployment, homelessness, etc. continue to be significant issues in the District and around the country.

We can honor Dr. King’s life and legacy by volunteering on January 16th—the Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service—and giving back to our communities. You can honor him throughout the year by working to end discrimination, reduce prejudice, and increase understanding.

I hope that you enjoy a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.

Warm regards,

Hnin Khaing

Acting Director

Trait of the Month

In 2022, two new protected traits were added: Homeless Status, which applies to all four enforcement areas, and Sealed Eviction Records, which only applies to Housing. In lieu of selecting one trait of the month, we want to remind everyone which protected traits apply to which enforcement area. We will resume highlighting one protected trait a month in Feburary.

What's New and Upcoming

OHR is pleased to announce the following employment opportunities for January 2023.

Upcoming Vacancies:

Associate Director (Enforcement Unit)
Associate Director (Communication and Public Relations)
Associate Director (Special Equity Programs)
Attorney Advisor (Litigation)
EEO Compliance and Training Officer
Information Technology Specialist
Data Analyst
Legislative Affairs Specialist

For more information, please email ohr.humanresources@dc.gov.

Human Rights Liaison Training 2.0

Overview

January 25th

10 am- 4 pm

Virtual via Zoom

This is the first offering of the HRL overview training for FY 23. Over the course of 4 hours, participants will learn about D.C.'s journey to becoming a Human Rights City; what discrimination is and what it looks like under the D.C. Human Rights Act of 1977; and what to do if you feel like you have been discriminated against.

For questions about the training, please contact Dr. Mia Carey (mia.carey@dc.gov).