By Stacey Key, CEO & President, Georgia Business Council
As we commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded that his vision extended far beyond civil rights. It encompassed economic justice, equity, and opportunity for all. Honoring that vision means continuing the work of removing barriers that prevent full participation in our economy and expanding access to opportunity for businesses and communities across Georgia.
In his final years, Dr. King turned his attention to economic inequality, launching the Poor People’s Campaign and calling out the persistent disparities that kept Black communities and others from building lasting wealth. He understood that freedom without economic opportunity is incomplete, and that jobs, ownership, and access to capital are foundational to a truly just society.
For 50 years, that unfinished work has been advanced through the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC). GMSDC has played a vital role in connecting minority-owned businesses with major corporations, government agencies, and strategic opportunities, while advocating for inclusion and meaningful economic participation.
As we honor Dr. King’s legacy this MLK Day, we do so at a moment of evolution.
While GMSDC remains a proud affiliate of the National Minority Supplier Development Council and continues its core mission in minority business development, we are now operating publicly under our legal name, the Georgia Business Council (GBC). This transition allows us to expand our reach while staying grounded in the values and purpose that have guided our work for decades.
The Georgia Business Council provides a broader statewide platform to convene leaders across industries, regions, and sectors, strengthening collaboration, capacity building, and business leadership throughout Georgia. In partnership, GMSDC and GBC will continue to drive economic inclusion, each playing a distinct role in advancing opportunity.
Dr. King once said, “The dignity of the individual will flourish when the decisions concerning his life are in his own hands.” That belief remains central to our work. Entrepreneurship and business ownership create dignity, agency, and long-term impact. When businesses grow, they create jobs, build wealth, and reinvest in their communities.
In 2026, as our economy faces both new challenges and new opportunities, the call for inclusive economic growth is louder than ever. Corporate leaders, policymakers, and institutions must move beyond words to action. Supporting diverse and growing businesses is not only a moral responsibility; it is a strategic imperative that strengthens our economy as a whole.
As we reflect on Dr. King’s dream this MLK Day, let us remember that progress is measured by action. Through our continued work, we remain committed to building an economy where opportunity is accessible, ownership is attainable, and economic justice is advanced for generations to come.
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