Martin Luther King Jr. was ahead of his time in pushing for universal basic income

The policy of providing guaranteed cash incomes has gained momentum in recent years. This tool to tackle inequality has the potential to address racial resentment.

By: Tarah Williams, Allegheny College and Andrew Bloeser, Allegheny College, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: January 13, 2026

Words: 875

Last Updated: 2 months ago

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By Tarah Williams, Allegheny College and Andrew Bloeser, Allegheny College

Each year on the holiday that bears his name, Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered for his immense contributions to the struggle for racial equality. What is less often remembered but equally important is that King saw the fight for racial equality as deeply intertwined with economic justice.

To address inequality – and out of growing concern for how automation might displace workers –

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