Today I had a fascinating conversation with key leaders in St. Louis. At one point we discussed what it would take for those who have a lot to want to share with those who don’t. My shorthand answer was this: in my 30 years since aging out of foster care, working in human services and business, I’ve spent time with both groups—those with much and those with little. What I’ve learned is this: people with resources rarely give up even an inch without a demand. I reminded them that before Dr. King was assassinated, he began to shift his focus toward economics.

He tried to bring together people at the bottom of the economic ladder across race and culture. The point is, things don’t change for those at the bottom unless they come together. People with resources don’t usually redistribute out of kindness alone. Change requires unity, accountability, and sometimes pressure—like voting and holding leaders responsible. This wasn’t a political conversation, just a reminder about the nature of power.

 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute” — Proverbs 31:8