Introduction: Why We Need a Beloved Community

Originally coined by 19th century philosopher Josiah Royce, the term Beloved Community refers to a way of life that is based on pure, unconditional love for humankind. Beloved community is not merely about the community itself— it’s about the individuals within a community. It is the notion that a true community may not exist without the inclusion of the singular parts that make up the beloved whole. This concept made its way into the hands of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., serving as a guiding vision during the fight for civil rights in the mid-20th century.

The neighborhood in which we are raised has a tremendous role in determining our sense of self, which in turn plays a role in cultivating a shared sense of identity with the world around us. With this in mind, it is essential that the basic elements of our comm ...