Martin Luther King Jr. cared deeply about economic justice, which means he wanted everyone to have a fair chance to succeed financially. He believed that poverty and discrimination were closely linked.

1. Poverty Statistics

   • In 1965, around 19% of African Americans lived in poverty, while just 9% of white Americans were in the same situation.
   • The average income for Black families was only $6,000, but white families earned about$14,000 on average.

2. Economic Initiatives

   • King backed the Economic Bill of Rights. This was a plan to make sure everyone had the right to good jobs, fair pay, and quality education.
   • In 1968, he started the Poor People’s Campaign. This project aimed to fight against poverty and economic unfairness for people of all races, not only African Americans.

3. Impact on Legislation

   • King's efforts helped shape important laws. For example, the Economic Opportunity Act in 1964 was created because of the push for economic equality. This law started programs to help those in need.
   • His focus on the idea of a living wage helped spark movements that eventually resulted in minimum wage laws.

Through all these actions, King wanted to create a society where everyone had the same chance for economic rights. He believed that civil rights and economic justice go hand in hand.