Founded in 1961 on Dr. King’s vision of a world free of racism, poverty and violence, the Drum Major Institute carries Dr. King’s work and vision of radical nonviolence into the 21st century, democratizing it for all people. DMI leads through collaboration by convening leaders and organizations to identify common-sense solutions to our most pressing problems. DMI strives to inspire people to embrace their role in the King legacy, to empower them to build the beloved community and take action to promote peace, justice and equity for all.
Dr. King was committed to radical and pro-active nonviolence to overcome what he called the “Triple Evils” of racism, poverty and violence. As we embrace the King legacy, remember that – in the fight against injustice – nonviolence does not mean passive acceptance; it means peaceful resistance. Our work is to create a culture of nonviolence to bring us closer toward fulfilling Dr. King and Coretta Scott King’s dream of the Beloved Community.
Dr. King would encourage us today to not dwell on the past but to live and labor in what he called “the fierce urgency of now.” He believed that within each one of us, there is a person capable of making change in this world. Our challenge is to be the changemaker in our own lives and our own communities so that we can achieve peace, justice and equity for all.
The Board of Directors
Each of our Board Members is dedicated to advancing the core mission of our founder, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and promoting peace, justice, and equity for all. Our Board of Directors is comprised of community and national leaders with expertise in a wide range of areas, including advocacy, education, finance, etc. Led by Martin Luther King III and Arndrea Waters King, Board Members include Andrew Young, Daniel Roberti, Eric Gioia, Lisa Gioia, Fred Davie, Gene Duffy, Kate Moulene, Norm Ornstein, Scott Rechler, Sec. Jeh Johnson, Verna Cleveland, and William B. Wachtel.
