About The Name

The name of this initiative, Beloved Economies, is inspired by a phrase coined by Dr. Virgil A. Wood, a pastor, educator, and an advocate who has been working for economic justice and transformation for more than seven decades.

During the civil rights movement work of the 1950s and 60s, Dr. Wood was an active part of conversations among fellow civil rights leaders on the topic of economic change—and the different economy necessary for realizing the promise of “beloved community” to which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke so powerfully.  Dr. Wood articulated this economic change as creating a “beloved economy.” Dr. Wood continues to write, speak, and organize around this concept. Learn more about Dr. Wood’s reflections on beloved economy here. We are honored to be collaborating with Dr. Wood as one of the people featured in our book and campaign.