Originally coined by 19th century philosopher Josiah Royce, the term Beloved Community refers to a way of life that is based on pure, unconditional love for humankind. Beloved community is not merely about the community itself— it’s about the individuals within a community.Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. used this as a guiding vision during the fight for civil rights in the mid-20th century.

"Building the Beloved" takes a look into what this idea looks like in practice and aims to inspire individuals and community-serving organizations and agencies to implement more "beloved" practices in their fields. The neighborhood in which we are raised has a tremendous role in determining our sense of self, which in turn plays a role in cultivating a shared sense of identity with the world around us. With this in mind, it is essential that the basic elements of our communities– politics, culture, economy, and design– reflect a central focus on equity.