By Martin Luther King III  Today, the United States, and the world, has lost a true champion for human rights and democracy. My wife Arndrea and our daughter Yolanda Renee, and I express our deepest condolences to his family. I knew Congressman John Lewis all my life. He was someone that my mother and my father told me I could always trust. He was always there for me as a colleague, a friend, and a mentor. Continue reading

July 17, 2020 - The news that Rev. C.T. Vivian has died is still being processed by many of us associated with the Civil Rights Movement. C.T. was passionate about the advancement of African Americans and the poor.  He was a fearless advocate for freedom, justice, and equality. Rev. Vivian was a distinguished-looking man, always well dressed, articulate like a college professor, and there was no doubt about his love for his wife and his family. Continue reading

Washington - The Drum Major Institute renewed its call for President Trump to issue an executive order permitting the Social Security Administration to issue social security cards with photos to any citizen who requests one. The President promised to take this step in a meeting with civil rights leaders including Martin Luther King III and the Rev. James A. Forbes prior to his inauguration.   This week we celebrate what would have been Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 90th birthday. At the core of Dr. King's work was enabling and promoting all citizens to participate in their democracy whether by organizing, marching or - especially - voting. Many impediments to voting remain. One barrier that can be removed with the stroke of a pen is the lack of photo ID for citizens. All citizens are already entitled to a social security card. Adding a photo, at a citizen's request, would be inexpensive and provide valid ID - not just for voting, but to open bank accounts and travel on planes - to millions of Americans who are potentially disenfranchised for no reason other than the lack of proper identification.

January 14, 2019 - In Albany, the Legislature updated antiquated election laws by approving bills to enact early voting, pre- registration for 16 & 17- year- olds, same day registration, no excuse absentee voting, and mandate that state and federal primaries are held on the same day. "Today we are saying to New York that we are about tearing barriers down," Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, the leader of the Senate Democrats. "We are finally beginning to see New York’s elections begin — just begin — to catch up with the rest of the country,” said Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause New York.  This is huge for the future of democracy. 

April 4, 2018 - “In the face of incredible violence and intimidation, the brave students from Stoneman Douglas High School have inspired a nation to say ‘Enough is Enough,'" said Scott Rechler, Chairman and CEO of RXR Realty.“In the fight against gun violence in America, we have seen moms throughout the country step-up, we have seen students and children step-up, and now, the business community must step up and take action for common-sense gun safety. This forum is the first of many steps for the business community to get involved in taking action against gun violence.” Continue reading

January 14, 2018​ - New York, New York. On Sunday, The Drum Major Institute, in partnership with Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church and Repairers of the Breach, hosted a commemorative interfaith service honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Following the service, Revs. Barber and Forbes led the congregation to Trump Tower to pray for our nation. Click here to read more.