In 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. retreated into solitude to pen his final book, Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community? Published posthumously a decade later, this profound work served as King’s ultimate vision for a just world. He called for remedies to systemic inequalities: better jobs, fair wages, universal healthcare, housing security, and equal education. Yet King’s dream extended far beyond the borders of the United States—it was a global call to action, rooted in hope for humanity to fulfill the promise of the 1948 United Nations Declaration for Human Rights.
Theologian Cornel West describes this book as King’s “last grand expression of his vision—his most prophetic challenge to powers that be and his most progressive program for the wretched of the earth.” King’s vision was clear: a Beloved Community is not merely aspirational; it is achievable if we commit to compassion, justice, and equality.
The Charter for Compassion’s 40 Days of Peace
In the spirit of Dr. King’s legacy, the Charter for Compassion is proud to present 40 Days of Peace, an extraordinary series of programs running now through March 1, 2025. These events are designed to inspire reflection, foster dialogue, and empower action toward building a more compassionate world—a modern realization of King’s Beloved Community.
Among the highlights of our programming:
Dr. Richard Rose’s "Creating a Beloved Community"
Explore practical approaches to realizing King’s vision in our own communities, bridging differences, and fostering unity. (8 sessions) Begins January 8, 12-1:30 pm PST: Click/Tap here to learn more and register for this course. 
Rachel Luke’s "Black Canadian Narratives"
Dive into the rich, often untold stories of Black Canadians, illuminating the intersections of race, history, and identity in the pursuit of justice and equality. (4 sessions) Begins January 7, 7-8:15 pm EST: Click/Tap here to learn more and register for this course.
Marilyn Turkovich’s "Exploring a Legacy"
Join the Charter for Compassion’s Executive Director as she delves into the enduring impact of compassion in advancing human rights and dignity worldwide as illustrated in song. (8 sessions) Begins January 8, 8 am PST: Click/Tap here to learn more and register for this course.
Join Us on This Journey
These programs honor the values Dr. King championed—hope, love, justice, and compassion—and offer opportunities to engage with these ideals in meaningful, actionable ways. We encourage you to explore our full list of events by Click/Tap Here.
While a suggested donation supports our work, no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Your presence and participation are what truly matter, as we collectively strive toward building the Beloved Community envisioned by Dr. King.
In addition to the three-program series above, there are individual offerings you won't want to miss.
January 15, 9-10 am PST, Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King would be 96 years old and so we continue shining light on his legacy and ongoing beautiful work for civil justice and making a Beloved Community. This will be Dr. King‘s birthday celebration hosted by renowned reggae artists Pato Banton and Antoinette Rootsdawtah. Sommer Joy Ramer and Jon Ramer, Co-Founders of Compassion Games will be welcoming all into the space. Click/Tap Here to Register for this event.
January 19, 10 am PST, The Spirit of Ubuntu with Pato Banton and Antoinette Rootsdawtah.
Ubuntu International, in partnership with The Charter for Compassion and Compassionate Africa, is thrilled to host an exclusive pre-launch screening of the full-length award-winning documentary The Spirit of Ubuntu. At the heart of this global movement is the concept of Ubuntu: "I am because you are, and you are because I am," a powerful reminder of our shared humanity and interconnectedness. Click/Tap Here to Register.
January 29, 9 am PST, Global Read: Witness.
In the vein of Tuesdays with Morrie, a devoted student and friend of Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Elie Wiesel invites readers to witness one of the world's greatest thinkers in his own classroom in this instructive and deeply moving read. The world remembers Elie Wiesel (1928–2016) as a Nobel laureate, activist, and author of more than forty books, including Oprah’s Book Club selection Night. Ariel Burger met Wiesel when he was a teenage student, eager to learn Wiesel's life lessons. In this thought-provoking account, Burger brings the spirit of Wiesel’s classroom to life, where the art of storytelling and the act of listening conspire to make witnesses of us all—as it does for readers of this inspiring book as well. Click/Tap Here to Register.
January 29, 7 pm CST. The Rhythm of Our Common Humanity with Leslie Odom, Jr.
Join Charter Partner, Alamo Colleges, San Antonio, TX, District's Arts, Culture, and Community Impact team for our 4th Annual National Day of Collective Healing, featuring Tony and Grammy Award-winning vocalist, actor, and songwriter Leslie Odom, Jr.! Leslie Odom, Jr. is renowned for his breakout role as Aaron Burr in the Broadway hit Hamilton. NO REGISTRATION NECESSARY. Tune in for this free offering at 7:00 PM CST broadcast live through Alamo Colleges' Facebook page or Alamo Colleges' Youtube channel.
Let us come together over these 40 Days of Peace, inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr.’s prophetic call to action, and commit to a world where compassion and justice prevail. Please visit the Charter website regularly as new program offerings are being posted each week.
Click/Tap Here to See All Activities During 40 Days of Peace
