At BEDS Plus, we recognize that housing and social justice are deeply connected. As we honor Black History Month, we celebrate the legacy of leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose fight for equality continues to inspire the work we do today.
Our very own Case Manager, Myrtle Ward, had the extraordinary experience of witnessing Dr. King’s movement firsthand as a young volunteer in Chicago.
“I had the pleasure of unofficially meeting Dr. King for the first time at Operation Breadbasket when I was 13 years old. Operation Breadbasket, located on what is now MLK Drive, was headed by Rev. Jesse Jackson as part of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). When Dr. King toured the site, he took a moment to encourage us young volunteers to stay in school and continue striving for a better future.”
Myrtle’s second encounter with Dr. King was during a nonviolent march against de facto segregation on Chicago’s Southwest Side. The marchers faced intense hostility, with residents throwing bottles and bricks, yet they remained steadfast in their commitment to nonviolence.
“Everyone who marched with Dr. King had to sign a nonviolent agreement, promising not to return violence for violence. As a young person, this was difficult, but I believed deeply in the cause of equality for all—and I still do today.”
Myrtle’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of justice—values that continue to guide BEDS Plus in our mission to provide dignity, stability, and hope for those in need.