Love as direct action: Building a new golden age in Philadelphia

As our nation marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we return to the teachings of a leader who understood that justice demands more than good intentions. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “I think of love as something strong, and that organizes itself into powerful, direct action.”

Today, when hatred and division feel increasingly emboldened, that call to organize love is not just inspiring. It is instructive.

In recent years, many have embraced what is often called “allyship.” Too often, however, it stops there. Statements replace substance. Solidarity appears online, but disappears when issues become uncomfortable or complex.

Even the language of allyship is revealing. An ally is, by definition, part of a temporary alliance, formed for a specific battle and dissolved when circumstances change. That framework was never meant to sustain lasting relationships.

If we want to change culture, not just react to crises, we must move beyond allyship to something deeper and more enduring: genuine friendship.

Friendship lasts beyond the news cycle. It holds through disagreement and discomfort. It requires showing up not only when harm is visible, but when the spotlight is gone. It is the only foundation strong enough to support a multiracial, multifaith movement capable of confronting hatred in all its forms.

History does more than inspire us; it reminds us of what is possible when communities refuse to stand apart.

That belief is why we founded the New Golden Age Coalition: to revive and strengthen the historic connection between Black and Jewish communities in Greater Philadelphia. That connection is rooted in shared experiences, from collaboration during the civil rights movement to everyday moments of partnership in neighborhoods, houses of worship, and civic life.

History does more than inspire us; it reminds us of what is possible when communities refuse to stand apart.

But history alone is not enough. Partnership cannot survive on nostalgia. It must be renewed through action, guided by the kind of love King described: love that acts, love that protects, love that builds.

And the urgency could not be clearer.

Here in Philadelphia, racist and antisemitic graffiti was discovered at Roxborough High School. Beyond our city, the danger is stark, as well. In Jackson, Miss., Beth Israel Congregation was set on fire in an antisemitic attack. According to the FBI, the suspect confessed to targeting the historic synagogue because of its “Jewish ties.”

That same synagogue was bombed by members of the Ku Klux Klan in 1967, which also targeted the rabbi’s home months later because of his support for the civil rights movement. The fire echoes an older Southern terror that sought to intimidate Black and Jewish communities during the civil rights era — a reminder that the work Dr. King led remains unfinished.

On this MLK Day, we ... recommit ourselves to the labor of love that King demanded: strong, organized, and directed toward justice.

Today’s world can feel overwhelmingly dark. Antisemitism is surging. Anti-Black racism remains deeply entrenched. In a moment like this, our response must be grounded in love strong enough to confront hatred, and courageous enough to be expressed publicly, consistently, and collaboratively.

The New Golden Age Coalition organizes that love through three core pillars:

We are cultivating genuine relationships between Black and Jewish Philadelphians — relationships that allow us to confront antisemitism, racism, and all forms of hate.

Our communities face growing threats from extremism, gun violence, and systemic neglect. We are working together to create safer neighborhoods and protect our most vulnerable.

We recognize that poverty, hunger, and instability weaken families and fuel despair. Our coalition is committed to supporting and expanding the institutions that give people hope, dignity, and opportunity.

On this MLK Day, we choose not to offer feel-good slogans. Instead, we recommit ourselves to the labor of love that King demanded: strong, organized, and directed toward justice.

This means spending time in one another’s neighborhoods, houses of worship, schools, and community spaces. It requires listening before reacting, staying present when conversations are difficult, and approaching one another with love and compassion. It also means standing up for one another’s causes — not because they are convenient or popular, but because injustice anywhere threatens the dignity of us all.

This MLK Day, we invite Philadelphians to move closer rather than retreat — to share meals, attend one another’s gatherings, stand together in moments of joy and pain, and build relationships that last beyond crisis. This is love in action. Together, it is how we build a new golden age.

Philadelphia deserves nothing less.

Jason Holtzman is the chief of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. Pastor Carl Day is the founder of Culture Changing Christians. Together, they are cofounders of the New Golden Age Coalition.