The lengthening of inequality still leaks in the bloodline of America for people of color and poor people. All Dr. King wanted was for America (whites) to see him and other black folks as human beings. Dr. King was viewed by those European brothers and sisters who feared him as dangerous. He smelled like an educated black man who understood he had the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of a form of happiness as an American who just so happen to be born black. On April 4, 1968 Dr. King was slain to death while in Memphis, standing on the balcony at the Lorraine Hotel. Dr. King was doing what he treasured; serving and helping people. He was in Memphis trying to help the sanitation workers gain economic strength and fairness for their freedom as they went on strike. Has anything really changed in those 50 years?
In 50 years we have conquered racism (we not fully done yet) coupled with racial prejudice and discrimination. People are justified in articulating how slow the progression, nevertheless, no one can deny that Dr. King and his team's labor of love did not change things. The truth is, Dr. King did change a lot of things. We just have more work to do. We went from treating people like they were invisible creatures to seeing them as visible humans. I don't know when you were born but I never experienced sitting on the back of any bus unless I wanted to. People of all skin colors enjoy each other’s company in public facilities. Also, we were able to welcome transportation in a decent way because of Dr. King's dream! In light of the Montgomery Bus Boycott we can all sit together in peace and harmony.
Intimidation and cruelty was done in front of the world as Bloody Sunday made its mark in history. Black folks wanted to vote and those white southerners were afraid of that kind of political power. There is so much work to be done; the way some (not all) police officers handle people of color. It has not changed that much when black men and boys have to exude perfect behavior if they are stopped by the police. In 50 years we have gone from Bloody Sunday to Eric Garner being put in a choke hold to his death as the world watched. American people were outraged by Bloody Sunday and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was enacted as a result of it. What about Eric Garner or all the other black men and boys?
I certainly don’t ever remember having to go to a different water fountain than a white person. It is foreign to those of us born after the civil rights movement. As we look back at the history of America, it really is silly that those who were in control of the laws of this land decided to make separate but equal laws. Today Americans can go to school with a bunch of beautiful people that God created on purpose; of all skin color and races. Dr. Martin Luther King was obedient to his assignment; his calling to change legislation. In 50 years since his absence, we no longer have segregation (well overall) like it once was. Dr. King was very instrumental in the desegregation of this nation.
Dr. King's righteousness did exalt a nation; piercing the heart of America to be born again! Only God can change a person's heart. As long as wicked intentions drips and mixes in the legacy of America, we will overcome with bold resistance. There are so many young lives that were sacrificed for the struggle of freedom against hatred. This is what Dr. King was fighting for and against: racial injustice, economic and political power, social justice, inhumane treatment of darker skin and pure evilness. There were four innocent little black girlfriends at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham who lost their lives in a church bombing. They were worshiping God when they died. Emmett Till was 14 years old when he died for no reason at all. It was alleged that he whistled at a white lady. It was all a lie. Blacks and whites even died together for the suffrage of others. Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney were civil rights activist who risked their lives for the cause. America got it wrong and has done so for so many years.
Thankfully, the kismet of Americans are getting it right by having conversations with each other; mobilizing and strategizing for a better more just America. There are people of all races and backgrounds who continue to fight for all the things Dr. King stood for. I pray for the continuation of those active collaborations.
Thankfully, the kismet of Americans are getting it right by having conversations with each other; mobilizing and strategizing for a better more just America. There are people of all races and backgrounds who continue to fight for all the things Dr. King stood for. I pray for the continuation of those active collaborations.
