"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
Good morning. Today is the day we mark the birthday of one of the greatest humanitarians to ever live; Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Throughout my life I have taken pride in the fact that I have paved my own way. While I seek inspiration from others who have achieved that which I have not, I put very few in the place of role models or mentors. However, on that short list stands Dr. King, a man I hold near and dear to my heart.
Dr. King was more than just the face of the Civil Rights Movement, but a family man, a humanitarian, and a Christian. His contributions to humanity are more clearly seen in his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement. While other radical African-Americans advocated violence to combat the injustice and racial inequality in America, Dr. King decided to use the teachings of Mahatma Ghandi and advocate non-violence. This movement would call for sit-ins, boycotts and marches all over the nation. The white establishment responded by turning fire hoses and dogs on protesters, arresting and beating individuals who stood hand in hand to protest racial inequality, threats, arrests, lynchings and assassinations. Yet in the face of it all, Dr. King stood fast by his decision to advocate non-violence. Dr. King believed that these acts of civil disobedience in the face of such harsh reactions would turn a bright light on the injustice happening in America, especially in the South, garner the world’s attention and force the government to respond positively. The Civil Rights Movement had no army, had no weapons, and had no generals to combat racism. A violent response to the violence and injustice wielded against African-Americans would only lead to the loss of countless lives and only worsen the problem.
Having grew up with 3 brothers, I understand how difficult it is to take a hit, not retaliate and continue on with your mission. However, Dr. King not only preached and taught this tactic, he believed and demonstrated it.
Today as one-third of Americans enjoy a day-off from work, remember why we have this day off. Remember we celebrate his birth because of the contributions he made during his life. His contributions during the Civil Rights Movement and the Poor People’s Campaign are a large reason why African-Americans and minorities across the nation enjoy some of the freedoms and rights that we have today. Are we where we need to be? No. There is still a large disparity in education, jobs and access in many segments of society. In the words of Brother Kanye “racism still alive they just be concealing it.” However, despite my sentiments, I still believe that we are still much further up the mountain than we were before Dr. King, Medgar Evers, Thurgood Marshall and many others embarked upon this journey.
Dr, King once stated “A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live.” Dr. King found a cause he was not only willing to live for, but was willing to die for as well. I implore you to find your meaning, your purpose, your cause in life that gets you up out of bed, fuels you during the day and that you dream about at night. The third Monday in January is more than just a day off, but it should be a day on in remembrance of his life, his work, and contributions to society. Happy Birthday Dr. King. Stay Up and Stay Blessed!
