On Monday January 18, 2021, PTC – along with many other inclusive organizations – will celebrate the legacy of the honorable Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is a day when we celebrate how the contributions of Dr. King evolved the growth of minority opportunities within organizations and communities regardless of race, gender or religion. Due to , it is apparently clear we still have a lot of work to do in the pursuit of equality.

About MLK and His Eponymous Day*

Martin Luther King, Jr. was born January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. Today, his name is one of the most widely known all around the world. Dr. King was an American Baptist minister and activist who spoke out for and led the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968.

It’s important to note that he is best known for advancing civil rights through nonviolent means. Instead of fostering division and physical force, King encouraged people to “think big.” His “I Have a Dream” speech – delivered to a live crowd of roughly 250,000 people at the 1963 March on Washington – is perhaps one of the most famous and inspirational speeches of all time.

MLK Day and PTC

“I Have a Dream” certainly inspires me, and it inspires my colleagues at PTC. We asked them about their hopes and dreams. They answered:

“I wish on this one day, people would try to put themselves in the shoes of a black person. For PTC, we need to have a diverse approach to clinical trials so we can work with and understand minority patients and physicians.” – Clinical Operations Team Member

“I dream of a day when the care, comfort and service we have for our families, friends and loved ones will be extended to all, especially people who have had injustices and obstacles put in their way.“ – Executive Committee Member

“I have so many dreams for humanity to become better at inclusion, grace, dignity – i.e. ‘humanity.’ We’re all people. At work, I dream about being able to tell truly heartening patient and caregiver stories. In doing so, we might convince others of the necessity of our innovative science to treat rare disease.“ – Communications Team Member

These perspectives make it clear that King’s example of dreaming big is never wasted inspiration.

Why MLK Day Should Find a Place in Today’s Work / Life Ecosystem

Why should it not?

Look at all the companies that – during the summer of 2020, after the death of George Floyd – developed great works of literature in the form of diversity commitment statements, and launched internal inquiries to find out what (if anything) they are doing to promote equality. What are these actions worth if business leaders fail to observe the day dedicated to a person who gave his life for equality?

If companies cannot see the business rationale to observe MLK day, are they truly committed to diversity?

Companies that do observe MLK Day understand the significance in showing their employees that equality, diversity, and inclusion are critical foundations for growth and stability in any organization. They are showing future talent that they have a commitment to innovation and engagement. Above all, they are showing their investors that they have the mindset and leadership to overcome any future human challenge.

PTC’s observance of MLK Day is an essential part of our culture and a demonstration of our commitment to diversity. We recognize the acts of kindness made toward each other every day and we are reminded that there is nothing greater than the lives that are saved through the meaningful work performed by each employee at PTC.

I am proud of the many employees who are taking the time to observe MLK Day. If you do not get a chance to do something this year, plan to do something great next year…and include two or more people in your plans! Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

 

 

*https://thekingcenter.org/about-tkc/martin-luther-king-jr/