I started early this morning with my meditation. On what would be his 80th birthday, I stopped by Boston University’s monument honoring the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to read and touch the four granite pages that I’ve checked out hundreds of times already (Cecil Brooks’ Double Exposure was playing in the background). Here, Dr. King again reminded me of an ideal state of human interaction and of peace and non-violence as a requirement for our collective survival.
During my brief meditation, I thought of my children and the hope that they will recognize the women and men who worked as heroes for their well-being – I prayed that they would not forget Rev. King and all he represents and that they will have the courage to be heroes, too. I also asked us all to seize a moment, right now, where we may truly live in the so-called post-racial society and not forget that Dr. King reminded us that our work includes the eradication of poverty and armed interactions as a way to settle our disputes.
I have faith that we are living in a splendid and important moment in time – thanks to Martin Luther King. Peace.
P.S.: Check out this commentary about the wave of civiil rights “workers” after King.
(Picture – Follow Your Dreams by MB-W; Photo source Unknown)
One Comment
John posted on January 16, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Dr. King’s courage and contributions to society were incredible, but what have we done to thank him for his sacrifice? How have we contributed to his legacy? Would he be proud, or even satisfied of our world in the 21st century? I think not.
…We say we are thankful for his commitment to end poverty, but still too many people are starving and living in squalor?
…We praise his accomplishments in teaching non-violence, but there are wars around the world, genocide in Africa, and young people are being shot in our city streets?
…Sure we elected a black president, but sadly the color of his skin is still the most remarkable characteristic of Barack Obama.
I see Dr. King’s message, hopes, and dreams in the hearts and minds of our Boston University students, but I don’t see the integrity, passion, commitment, and sacrifice that Dr. King’s movement embodied to truly change their world.
We’ve got a long road ahead to “reach the mountaintop” and I am hopeful, but I am reluctant to say the future is bright. I think the future is filled with possibilities, but we need to work awfully hard to fulfill Dr. King’s promise.