Honoring Dr. King’s Vision: How McKinstry Alliances Foster Beloved Community

In his lifetime, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. often spoke of “The Beloved Community.” He encouraged us all to consider this concept as a vision of the world as it could be.

As The King Center writes, “Dr. King’s Beloved Community is a global vision, in which all people can share in the wealth of the earth. In The Beloved Community, poverty, hunger and homelessness will not be tolerated because international standards of human decency will not allow it. Racism and all forms of discrimination, bigotry and prejudice will be replaced by an all-inclusive spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood.”

At McKinstry, this spirit is reflected in the company’s commitment to its “Put People First” value and the ongoing evolution of McKinstry Alliances. The alliances are voluntary, employee-led communities designed to foster connection, professional growth and a more inclusive workplace. Open to all employees, each alliance creates space for learning, shared experience and belonging. Research shows these elements are consistently linked to improved mental, emotional and physical well-being.

In 2026, McKinstry Alliances launched with a revised model that strengthens leadership and expands opportunities for engagement. The four established alliances — Women, Unity, Pride and Veterans — now feature new and expanded leadership teams. In response to employee interest, McKinstry is also piloting two new alliances: Early Career and Working Parents, further broadening support and connection across the organization.

“McKinstry Alliances are important to me because they offer a place where individuals who have specific cultural lived experiences can come together, find community, share common understanding and bond,” said Lavell Flamon, standardization program manager and national chair of the Unity Alliance. “The alliances give us opportunities to support professional growth, serve our communities and form long-lasting friendships. The Alliances serve as a platform where we live out our values at McKinstry.”

Honoring Dr. King

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a national holiday and a paid holiday at McKinstry. Many employees choose to observe the day not only as time off, but by participating in community service or activities that honor Dr. King’s life and teachings.

Whether through service, dialogue or connection, McKinstry encourages employees to engage with the principles Dr. King championed and to help build their own Beloved Communities at work, at home and beyond.

Through McKinstry Alliances, the company continues to invest in people, relationships and a shared vision of belonging that reflects Dr. King’s enduring call to justice, dignity and unity.