Next Monday, most federal, state, and local governments will be closed. As well as post offices and schools. Some people will have the day off. What concerns me is that most people know why, but some younger generations don't really "get it."
The national Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday is bittersweet for me. While I'm happy that our country honors the life, legacy, and achievements of a black man. I'm disappointed because we still have a LONG way to go in terms of achieving King's dream of full equality and making the "American dream" accessible to all.
I'm worried that too many African-Americans are "stuck" on King's dream. They are too focused on his speech rather than truly listening to what he said. I've watched the black community get farther and farther apart rather than remain solidfied. Some of our brothers and sisters have achieved parts of King's dream, but have failed to help others get there. Today, we are focused on more "material" things than on the true meaning of "community."
As our world has changed, some institutions have not adapted to those changes. The black church still refuses to address certain issues like AIDS/HIV, teen pregnancy, and rape that affect the life and well-meaning of its members. Our black politicians "talk the talk", but don't "walk the walk." We see them when they are campaigning for office and re-election, but other than that, they disappear in the political machine. And somehow we equate that educational excellence is entitled to "whites only." We glamorize ghetto life, ignorance, and ebonics. In the quest to "keeping it real", we forget that education is a means to a better life.
My oldest child is doing a skit at our church on Sunday about Dr. King. She plays the good angel battling the devil for King's soul. The skit examines what Dr. King's life could have been like if his destiny had changed. The skit also educates younger generations what life in this country used to be like and the sacrifices King and his young family made for the betterment of his people. Many youngsters have no idea about this.
I'm writing this because as Monday, January 18th arrives maybe you'll read this and re-examine King's message and legacy. I'm hoping that rather than turn your back on your fellow man, you'll reach back and help someone live a better life. You'll volunteer in your community. Support a black business. Maybe you'll read to a child. Or build a Habit house. Possibly serve food or visit for someone whose sick or shut-in.
As the late singer Michael Jackson said in his song, "Man In The Mirror", "take a look at yourself and make that change."
Posted By: Marsha Jones
Tuesday, January 12th 2010 at 9:53AM
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