Today we honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. an American Baptist Minister who played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement. He candidly expressed his views such as, Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere; and I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.
According to the King Center’s website Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. achieved more progress in his less than 13 years as a civil rights activist than anyone had in the prior 350 years. He is considered one of the most revered non-violent leaders in history. Rather than resorting to violence he advocated the power of words with his solid oratory skills and he also believed in the grassroots movement, along with protests, to bring about significant change. He galvanized people around the idea that men and women from all walks of life, cultures, and religions are all equal in the human family.
Among his many accomplishments: the Walk on Washington which drew 1.25 million to the national mall to inspire action around the civil rights act. There he delivered his famous, “I Have a Dream” speech. Subsequently one year later this social justice activist had helped inspire the Civil Rights Act which put an end to racial segregation in the United States. In 1964 he became the youngest individual ever to win the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize.
What would Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. say now to the political leaders, particularly to the President-Elect Donald Trump if he was still alive at 87 years old? Here are a few ideas of what he might have said:
- Your words matter. Think before you speak “or tweet.”
- Look around and see the diverse nation we have become. Everyone deserves respect no matter their race, creed, gender, sexual preference, cultural identity, etc. We’ve worked so hard to get here. Whatever happens we must be tireless with our pursuit of justice and equality for all.
- We have much work to do with gun violence and all forms of violence in the world. There is a root of anger and hate which we must dig up, look at (attempt to understand), and heal. We cannot blame our fellow man as we are all responsible on some level for the plight of our nation. As a collective we must take full responsibility to bring light into the darkness. We can do this by unifying. March in the larger cities to be seen and heard. Contact our political representatives and make our voices heard.
- We must honor our Constitution. If we aren’t familiar with it we need to read it. The ideals of freedom and equality must be upheld.
- Healthcare injustices are the worst kind. Everyone deserves affordable health care. Our objective must be to align with the highest good for our society and ensure that all have access or else we risk mounting debt (personal and also, as a nation).
Unfortunately Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. lost his life at the early age of 39 on April 4th, 1968, when he was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Roots of racism had not been examined nor addressed and in turn we lost a legendary nonviolent leader and activist. May his memory stir us all to speak up and take action.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” MLK
Resources: Charlotte Observer, January 16, 2016 http://www.charlotteobserver.com/living/religion/article55088210.html
The King Center’s Website: http://www.thekingcenter.org/about-dr-king
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