Lets all take a lesson from Martin Luther King Jr.

This coming Monday, January the 21st, we will celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Although over the years, this has become a token holiday, a day when banks and government offices are closed and schools do a quick acknowledgment of, this holiday really does honor to a great man. There is nothing supernatural about Martin Luther King Jr., nothing that makes him different from any other man except the fact that he pursued a cause that was life-changing to thousands with a passion that could not be ignored.

Martin Luther King Jr is a name that most people will recognize. Although over the years we have lost some of the history of this well-known person, many would at least be able to tell you that he was a pivotal leader in the civil rights movement. King was born in 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia and grew up to become a minister. An African-American born in a time when civil rights for all men (and women) had not yet been recognized, he lead millions of people in social reform with his eloquent speaking and call for non-violent protests. His speaking ability helped him express the injustices and need for change for African Americans to share in the rights that Americans were so proud to call their own.

Thank goodness that our children will never know a world where there are separate "black" and "white" restrooms or drinking fountains. Unfortunately in today's world there is still racial tensions, and there are still many people who grow up learning to be prejudiced against others due to their skin color, race, beliefs, or even just their education or backgrounds, however, we've come a long way from where we were.

In 1964, at the age of 35, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts and for his use of nonviolent civil rights demonstrations. Oh that people today could realize the practicality and power of nonviolent demonstrations. Leaning on the teachings of "peaceful revolution" by Mahatma Gandhi, King's first big action was the boycott of a bus company in Alabama. After 381 days, the US Supreme Court ruled that the state's laws of segregation on buses was illegal. The boycott was such a success, it showed the masses what effect peaceful protests by the people could accomplish.

Throughout the effort to bring about civil rights, King was harassed, stabbed, and arrested; the people who protested with him were attacked with water hoses, tear gas and dogs. As awful as the brutality was, it was in large part due to the televised coverage of some of these events that helped bring about some of the biggest change. Americans all over the country were able to see firsthand just how terrible the cruelty and hatred had become.

Thanks to King's efforts, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act that states, "No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination." Unfortunately, this was not an automatic fix, and people still fought to hold onto the old way of things. In a march to Montgomery, Alabama, the protesters were met by state troopers who beat them back. Four people were killed and over 70 were injured with 17 hospitalized.

King never saw his dreams realized, although he was able to see the beginning of the change. In April of 1968 he was shot and killed while leaving his motel. He was 39 years old.

We celebrate his birthday on the third Monday of every January. And although most of us don't really remember why the holiday is there, let's try to stop and take a minute to remember the message that King lived for. Peace and respect for all mankind is a big dream, but it's one worth fighting for.

( Add your comments )

Recent Entries:
· Get out your sewing projects!
· National Sewing Month
· National Eye Exam Month?

[ READER COMMENTS ]

Lets all take a lesson from Martin Luther King Jr.

Add your comments...

We kindly ask that you keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Abusive or inappropriate comments or comments that are specifically promotional in nature may be removed.