I’m taking some time to reflect on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. since today is the holiday in which we officially celebrate his birthday. The minister and civil rights leader would be 89 years old if he were still alive. On this MLK Day, I hope you take time to reflect on the sacrifices he and others made to make life better for us today.
Early On
Back in elementary school, I can recall reading multiple books and newspaper articles about his life. Matter of fact, I wrote an essay or should I say mini-book about him. I had pictures from magazines attached to my white, non-college ruled paper. One photo that shocked me was the one of him sitting in jail. Hold up. How could this good guy be sitting in a jail cell? Well, I then learned he was fighting for what he believed was right, but in some way, was against the law.
Later On
Now as an adult there’s a MLK Day that I will never forget. Currently, Facebook won’t let me forget it either. Six years ago today, on MLK Day, President Barack Obama’s second inauguration occurred. That was such a proud historical moment. I was actually there among the crowd, bundled up from head to toe out in the cold on the lawn of the National Mall in Washington DC with a couple of friends from work. An unforgettable moment indeed. The bus ride there was unfortunately unforgettable as well, for not so good reasons. Let’s say, I haven’t taken another bus trip anywhere since. If it’s not a legitimate, bonafide bus company, I’m not going to be on it.
National Mall Visit
Recently my husband and I went to the National Mall. Although I had been there before, there were a few notable differences. No crowd this time. Without the crowd, I was able to actually see each quote engraved on the stone wall behind the replica of Dr. King. I was in awe. Some quotes I’d never heard of. Underneath the quotes are dates and locations where the quotes were made. As I read, I could picture in my mind the issues like war and inequality that were happening at the time.
“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.”
-Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
People from various ethnicities and countries were gathering around Dr. King’s monument to take pictures. That was heartwarming. Then there was a small group of older white men and women. The blue hat one guy was wearing drew my attention. It had white letters that read, Make Racism Wrong Again. How cool! And refreshing. This was the first time I’d ever seen it. Taking a picture with him ran across my mind, but I talked myself out of it. My husband and I spoke to the man and told him we loved his hat.
In conclusion, isn’t part of Dr. King’s dream is for there to be no racism? Well, check the news and social media. The dream continues.
