The DeKalb Difference Blog

Diversity and Inclusion on Buford Highway: Building the Beloved Community

Decide DeKalb is proud to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day that honors the legacy of the civil rights leader and his work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

This year, we’re highlighting Buford Highway, an area in northeastern DeKalb County, that embodies Dr. King’s ideas and optimism for a future around diversity and inclusion.

The Buford Highway corridor in DeKalb County is a thriving, multi-ethnic community. A stretch of ordinary highway was transformed by immigrants into one of the South’s most intriguing roadways. It’s known for its wide range of international restaurants, businesses and residential communities, representing many different cultures and languages.

Could this diversity possibly represent the Beloved Community, as espoused by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?

In his vision for the Beloved Community, King spoke about the importance of providing “opportunity for all” and creating a society that is based on justice, equal opportunity, and love for all people.

The businesses and people along Buford Highway personify these ideals, as they provide opportunities for those of all backgrounds to succeed and thrive. Whether it’s a small family-owned restaurant or a larger international corporation, these businesses are a testament to the power of inclusivity.

One of the things that makes Buford Highway so special is the wide range of cultures that are represented. From Latin American to Asian and Middle Eastern, the businesses along this corridor offer a truly diverse array of products and services. This international corridor reflects the diverse population of DeKalb County and shows how a multigenerational and multicultural immigrant community thrives.

In fact, the multicultural identity of Buford Highway is so important, a nonprofit called We Love Buford Highway was formed to preserve the diversity of this amazing and iconic area.

The businesses in this district also provide opportunities for people from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. Many of the small businesses along this corridor are owned by immigrants or first-generation Americans who came to the United States in search of a better life. They provide employment and economic opportunities for their families and networks, helping them to achieve their American Dream.

As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Decide DeKalb wants to celebrate the ideals of the Beloved Community and equal opportunity for all. The businesses along Buford Highway are a shining example of these principles in action and serve as a reminder of the power of diversity and inclusivity to create a more just and equitable society. Whether it’s through the products and services they offer or the employment opportunities they provide, these businesses are making a positive impact in their community and beyond.

Buford Highway is a great example of how people from a variety of backgrounds make up the diversified and progressive workforce of DeKalb County. One way that Decide DeKalb helps ensure the long-term economic success of the county is through workforce initiatives that can help people start and grow their own businesses, ensuring that DeKalb County remains a magnet for dynamic professionals, entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Send an email to [email protected] for more information about how Decide DeKalb can support the growth of your business, organization, or community.