MLK Day, January 18, 2021.
How much do you know about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr? Named after his father Martin Luther King, his first and middle names also recall a significant person from the early 16th century – in the Western world at least. But that’s for another chat.
Some refer to MLK as the reluctant leader of the Civil Rights movement from the mid-1950s to his assassination in April 1967. He was only 39 years old – sad. You may have heard about his famous “I Have a Dream” speech delivered before thousands packed on Washington’s Capital Mall.
Did you know: Though MLK Day is generally viewed as a way to mark the country’s supposed racial progress and the life of King, who fought for that progress, many Americans refuse to honor King’s memory or exceptional leadership? Sad.
OK. MLK Day may not be of interest to you; your country may not have experienced (or yet acknowledged) a long history of racial or tribal segregation. But surely we can pause to appreciate the courage of this man who, despite his unwillingness to be a spokesman, endured much opposition in raising national awareness about ongoing racism.
How to honor Dr. King? Here is what I can do:
- Renew appreciation of his stirring speeches.
- Listen to clips from when Dr. King spoke in Duke Chapel.
- Watch Dr. King’s I have a Dream speech.
- Offer practical service in the community.
- With COVID protocols in place that will take some creativity.
- Write an old friend or relative. Or, call someone and really listen.
- This week extend a genuine greeting to someone whose skin tone is a different shade than my own.
- Lament the ongoing racialization of U.S.A. society.
- Celebrate his legacy.
- Observe Duke’s annual commemoration ceremony, Sunday, 3pm.
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