Report on the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign and Resurrection City: A Legacy Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

In the summer of 1968, Washington, DC witnessed the establishment of Resurrection City, a temporary settlement on the National Mall constructed by hundreds of impoverished families from across the United States. This movement was part of the Poor People’s Campaign, a vision championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. before his assassination in April 1968. The campaign aimed to address poverty and demand a new economic bill of rights for the poor, directly contributing to the global agenda of eradicating poverty and promoting social justice as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Background and Objectives

1. Context: Resurrection City was created as a direct action to highlight the urgent economic crisis faced by over 35 million poor Americans, emphasizing the need for systemic change.
2. Goals: The campaign demanded:
   • An annual government expenditure of $35 billion to eradicate poverty in the United States.
   • Construction of 500,000 homes per year to transform impoverished neighborhoods.
   • Full employment with a living wage for all citizens.
3. Unity: The campaign united diverse communities across racial and geographic lines, embodying the SDG principle of reducing inequalities (SDG 10) and promoting peaceful and inclusive societies (SDG 16).

Resurrection City: A Model of Community and Resistance

• Population and Infrastructure: At its peak, approximately 3,000 people lived in Resurrection City, which featured essential community facilities such as a day care center, city hall, barber shop, and even its own ZIP code.
• Multiracial Coalition: Participants included Native Americans from reservations, Mexicans from the Southwestern United States, Puerto Ricans from urban centers, and Appalachian communities, reflecting inclusivity and social cohesion.
• Living Conditions: Despite harsh weather and challenging conditions, residents maintained communal living and organized collective actions, demonstrating resilience and solidarity.

Actions and Impact

1. Advocacy: The campaign organized marches and rallies, including a significant Juneteenth event with 100,000 participants, amplifying calls for social justice and economic reform.
2. Engagement with Lawmakers: Residents actively communicated their demands to Capitol Hill, seeking legislative change to address poverty and inequality.
3. Legacy: Although Resurrection City was dismantled by police after six weeks, the movement inspired ongoing grassroots organizing, including the establishment of free community services such as medical clinics, grocery stores, and tenant unions.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 1 – No Poverty: The campaign’s core demand to end poverty aligns directly with this goal.
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: By uniting diverse racial and ethnic groups, the campaign addressed systemic inequalities.
• SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Calls for full employment and living wages support sustainable economic growth and decent work for all.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: The demand for affordable housing and neighborhood transformation corresponds with this goal.
• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: The nonviolent approach and advocacy for just policies reflect this objective.

Continuing the Movement

On the 50th anniversary of the Poor People’s Campaign, renewed efforts led by Reverend William Barber and Reverend Liz Theoharis revived the movement, continuing to advocate for economic justice and poverty eradication in line with the SDGs. This ongoing activism underscores the enduring relevance of Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision and the critical importance of collective action to achieve sustainable development.

Conclusion

The Poor People’s Campaign and Resurrection City represent a pivotal moment in the fight against poverty and inequality in the United States. Their legacy contributes significantly to the global pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on poverty eradication, reducing inequalities, and promoting inclusive societies. The campaign’s history and ongoing influence highlight the power of grassroots movements to drive social change and inspire future generations toward achieving a just and sustainable world.

Additional Resources

• Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival
• The Marc Steiner Show with Dr. Reverend Liz Theoharis
• Camp Life in Resurrection City 1968
• Poor People’s Campaign June 2018

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article centers on the Poor People’s Campaign, which demands an end to poverty and economic justice for poor families in the United States.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The campaign highlights issues of economic inequality and calls for legislation to tackle inequality in the country.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – The article discusses housing demands, including the call for building half a million homes per year to transform poor neighborhoods.
4. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The campaign demands full employment with a living wage for everyone, emphasizing economic rights and job security.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The movement advocates for nonviolent social change and justice, addressing systemic racism and social injustices.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

• SDG 1: No Poverty
  • Target 1.2: Reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty in all its dimensions.
  • Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women have equal rights to economic resources, including access to basic services and ownership of property.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
  • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
  • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

• SDG 1 Indicators
  • Proportion of population living below the national poverty line (Indicator 1.2.1) – implied by the focus on the 35 million poor people in America.
  • Proportion of population with access to basic services and ownership of economic resources (Indicator 1.4.1 and 1.4.2) – implied by demands for housing and economic rights.
• SDG 10 Indicators
  • Proportion of people living below 50% of median income, by age, sex and persons with disabilities (Indicator 10.2.1) – implied through the campaign’s focus on economic inequality.
• SDG 11 Indicators
  • Proportion of urban population living in slums or inadequate housing (Indicator 11.1.1) – implied by the demand for building half a million homes per year and transforming poor neighborhoods.
• SDG 8 Indicators
  • Unemployment rate, by sex, age and persons with disabilities (Indicator 8.5.2) – implied by the demand for full employment.
  • Average hourly earnings of employees, by sex, age and persons with disabilities (Indicator 8.5.1) – implied by the demand for a living wage.
• SDG 16 Indicators
  • Proportion of population who feel safe walking alone around the area they live (Indicator 16.1.4) – implied by the focus on nonviolence and social justice.
  • Proportion of people who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive (Indicator 16.7.2) – implied by the campaign’s advocacy for inclusive political participation.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: therealnews.com