The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial was officially dedicated this past Sunday, October 16, 2011 at the National Mall in Washington, DC. In addition to the 30-foot memorial being erected near that of three U.S. presidents, Abraham Lincoln among them, the significance is far-reaching. As a caring ordinary citizen, King was motivated to fight for racial, social, economic, and educational equality.
King’s method of redress of any kind of injustice has defined how many groups have sought and fought for change. One has only to witness the current “Occupy Wall Street” protests, which have spread to cities across America and the globe.
The King Memorial will have fleeting meaning if most of us go back to business as usual and continue to choose to be only spectators of conditions and incidents of inequity, prejudice and blatant discrimination that occur on a daily basis in many aspects of contemporary society.
Erecting bigger-than-life statues and commemorations are one thing. Teaching and living the principles King died for is quite another.
While much progress has been made, there is still a great need to continue to work to achieve better race relations, religious tolerance, social justice, education, and economic parity and to rid our tendency to conduct our daily lives based on erroneous stereotypes.
We can no longer wait to be motivated to act by blatant and ugly reminders — a hanging noose here, an ethnic slur there or some other derogatory graffiti and demeaning behavior. Worse yet until some one is beaten or killed because of how they look, because of their sexual orientation, their religious beliefs.
We also need to be mindful of the less obvious crimes against people that are with us every day through some form or the other — disenfranchisement born of the disparity between race, economic classes, the well educated, and the poorly educated. Someone is denied a job, a home, a loan, a seat in a classroom just because of their color or class.
Like King, there must be many more voices sending an unequivocal and unswerving message: One’s color, one’s ancestry, one’s economic status in life by birth does not automatically make a person either superior or inferior to any other person who may be different.
Imagine if we were able to avoid passing these harmful stereotypes and beliefs of racial hatred to our children. Many destructive and divisive cycles would be broken. In imparting the right lessons and messages to our children, we could be sowing the seeds that could advance human relations by leaps and bounds. Silence is not an option.
Could the societal sea change that is needed, lie with future and younger generations?
Looking a little closer at King’s life could foretell the promise we can place in our youth. King’s concern about human injustice began early in his life.
Most people know of the famous “I Have a Dream” speech, which he delivered during the march on Washington in 1963. But the fire that burned within King’s soul, that led him to dedicate his life toward eradicating social evil and injustice, started long before — nearly 20 years earlier when he traveled to Dublin, Georgia as a senior in high school to deliver “The Negro and the Constitution” in an oratory contest. Perhaps, it was just a flicker then. But as you follow his life through college and the seminary, you see that flicker grow into a flame.
The more inhumanity he saw and heard, the more he could not turn a blind eye or a deaf ear. Obviously, adults, whether his parents and others he encountered along the way, implanted and influenced the belief system that governed how he regarded mankind and his life’s work to make things better.
Time and time again, we see how difficult it is for many of us to shake the harmful and false perceptions of others that have been passed from one generation to the next. We must take off the blinders and face how these perceptions perpetuate negative influences generation after generation.
If King had to choose having a statue commemorating his work over us living, teaching and practicing every day the principles he fought and died for, he would much rather we do that.
Then our children can become the teachers of other children. Only then will the principles King lived and died for become our way of life.
What do you think about the work of Martin Luther King? How might it influence your future perceptions and actions?
Comments
MLK
I believe that without Martin Luther King Jr. African American culture would not be what they are today. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke truth and opened the eyes of many people. He proved, that no matter what, anyone can make a difference. Not any did he speak to African American’s he spoke to the White people as well. No matter the circumstance, we can all step up for what we believe in. As a Mexican American, I have been impacted by his speech as well. He influenced other races as well to go out and step up when we feel like we are belittled or taken advantage of. Martin Luther King’s Memorial is a reminder that no matter who you are, you can make a difference. I appreciate his wisdom and bravery for stepping up and speaking up. Thank you Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The New Life
The works of Dr. King have greatly altered the view and works of many Americans today. I agree that he had a passion and fire for what he believed in, which is rare in today's society. The FBI hate crime statistical report for 2010 was just released and it revealed that much work is still needed. It revealed that there were 6624 single-bias incidents that involved 7690 offenses, 8199 victims,and 6001 offenders. Of all the incidents reported, 47.3 percent were racially motivated. It is easy to say that race still plays a significant role in our crime. I believe Dr. King would want all us, no matter the color, to stand up and have a say in this issue. Obviously it is still present and it will take every single one of us to work together on eliminating this issue that Dr. King lived his life for to end.
MLK: What he should mean to us all
Martin Luther King Jr. was just a normal United States citizen who saw injustice being perpetuated by individual mindsets and a system and worked to stop that injustice. His story and his strength in face of some of the most extreme adversity is a testament to how great a leader and individual Dr. King was. Dr. King's use of non-violence and civil disobedience started a wave of new movements of individuals who were seeking equal treatment as well, from a myriad of minority groups. For me personally, Dr. King represents the epitome of sticking to your beliefs and fighting for what you know is right, even if that means sacrificing your time, money or even your life. I think that the statue of Dr. King is a huge step in furthering the conversation Dr. King started with the Civil Rights movement as well as remembering a man who made the integrated society we have today possible, regardless of what problems persist. It has always been about progress in race relations and Dr. King understood that most of the time progress was slow and hard fought. Regardless of this he fought on never succumbing to defeat. The Civil Rights legislation that the dialogue King's leadership created helped facilitate in a way is also being remembered with the statue. The location of King's statue among Presidents also is important to show how important a political figure he was. The commissioning of this statue shows that the progress is still coming and that we can achieve true equality and bypass racial stereotypes that are mostly passed down through families and media. Our generation is much less racially conscious as that of our parents and if King's Dream is still alive our children will have even less focus on race as a defining factor between human beings.
Future Perceptions and Actions
I cannot say whether, I a person of color, can fully grasp the ideas Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. had, nor understand what he was fully attempting to do because I cannot ask him a question and get a definite MLK answer. I do in the other hand think his "I have a Dream Speech" was more related to a dream he actually had, not until someone in the crowd pointed to that dream he was discussing in a private talk was he successful in rallying the people, I noticed that while watching a video of that speech, the first couple of minutes there is no gas to that flame. Now, to the idea of a 30 foot statue of the man next to our Presidents, I cannot figure out, I understand he did much, but the struggle has not yet ended there is nothing to celebrate. If the case is he did much for people of color why not erect one for Malcolm X, Sojourner Truth, Rosa Parks, John Lewis, and or Caesar Chavez. I would rather in live to what he spoke and practice what he said than just remember what started, I would want to be the one who helps end it.
MLK deserving recognintion
When I think of MLK, I think of a leader and a pioneer someone who had a vision that many others before him had helped create. A vision of equality for the African-American people, his inspiration may have come from the writings of W.E.B Du bois, or the experiences of inequity in a harsh Southern United States which did not cater to the African American population. Regardless of how he created his vision as a person of color I have to recognize that if it had not been for his leadership there is a very real possibility that I may not have been afforded the opportunities I have today, to become educated, and to be able to speak to someone and not feel that I will be reprimanded for it(because of differences in our skin tones). I know that his dream of equality is still yet to be achieved, yet I have to admit that we have made some improvements. The occupy movement comes to mind, who would have thought that people from all walks of life and racial and ethnic backgrounds would unite to protest against the structural inequalities which plague our nation. This protest and many other events in daily life would not have been possible had it not been for Dr. King, we still have work to do but he definitely deserves recognition to remind us and future generations that we have the potential to bring attention to injustice and bring forth change.
MLK Tribute
"Silence is not an option." This was one of my favorite lines in the entire article. Silence is definitely not an option in this case. Martin Luther King worked practically his entire life to stop discrimination and racism, and we should follow his lead. One can only hope this new memorial reminds us all to keep fighting for equality. We have come a long way since the decade of Martin Luther King's teaching, but not far enough. It will never be enough until discrimination ends entirely. We MUST teach our own children not to discriminate. They need to learn to not be prejudice or racist. It starts with us. We have to set the example. We must teach our children and other peers about the importance equality. We must live by example, and we cannot be silent.
MLK Jr.
I think this story should inspire us all to follow in the foot steps of Martin Luther King Jr. and continue fighting for all people to have equal rights. Martin Luther King believed in something that was worth believing in and he knew it. He fought everyday to bring about social equality in America and did not need violence to get his point across. If we all follow in the foot steps on this man we could help to bring about social equality among all people, no matter their race or gender.
MLK
I am delighted that Dr. King has gotten a statue in his honor and I am sure he would be quite flattered, but I do not think he would want us to just honor him with the statue. Dr. King would have wanted our country to honor him by continuing on with his "Dream". Yes, we have come far from the 60's when he was alive and fighting for the colored rights and discrimination, but there is always room to grow and improve. With this new statue I think that we as citizens should use this as a reminder to fight, PEACEFULLY, for what we believe is right. A good example could be the peaceful protestors at UC Davis who were exercising their right, but were still punished (by being pepper sprayed).
Thoughts on Mr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I think that the work of Martin Luther King did not just change the future for African Americans, but for everyone. There were the few who believed that segregation of colored and non-colored people was morally wrong. The idea of fighting for what we believe in is taught to each of us but how many have actually done it? Martin Luther King was an inspiration to all. The fact that his statue stands next to Abraham Lincoln to me symbolizes the long struggle for equality. Today, there are those who still live in the days of the past with racism, but I do believe that we have come a long way. Derogatory and racial terminology only exemplifies ignorance and needs to be taught that things have changed. Racism only exists when taught and passed down by family members, friends, and what we see and hear in music and television. Martin Luther King does influence my actions by remember that if something is not right, do not say it. Behavior can be changed and the same goes with ideas. It takes a lot of work, but it can be done.
Thoughts on MLK
i deeply respect Martin Luther King and the civil rights movement. King challenged America's conscience by bringing to light the violent oppression of African Americans while remaining commited to non-violence. In my opinion a the statue of King at the national Memorial Wall in Washington is fitting for a true martyr of one of the most important causes in the 20th century. It would be unfair however to exclusively credit King while many other civil rights activist fought and died for the freedoms which we enjoy today.
However, kings deep commitment to non-violence stood in complete contrast to other civil rights leaders who promoted Black self defense. It seems more suiting to respond to the agressive and murderous tactics of white supremicist with violence, however, Kings deep Christian spirituality helped foster the peoples hopes without inspiring aggression. King peacefully revealed the hypocrisy of American freedom as well as forcibly asserted Christian morality in the eyes of a nation plagued with uncertainties.
King stood strong in the face of persecution from both the local and federal governements as exemplified by Herbert Hoover's active surveillance of King and other civil rights activist.
MLK; A Cornerstone of American History
There have been many instances throughout history that a person stepped forward through the dark choatic mess that was relevant of the time and brought peace, order, and harmony when it was needed most. Martin Luther King, Jr. was that person that stepped forward in a choatic time and brought order to a period of time that needed a strong voice to correct the injustices of the time.
Without the civil right movement that MLK started, could you possibly imagine how the United States and even the rest of the world would appear today? Like many others I cannot perceive what the world would be like or if I would even exist. I only mention this because I have a Caucasian mother and an African-American father and in MLK's time that kind of relationship would have been blastfamy. Even when my parents got together it was still an uneasy situation.
Although it seems as if I am going in a different direction than the post, I am not. I ask, if not challenge, the readers of this blog to try to imagine a possible world without the teaching of Martin Luther King Jr..
Just think of all of the teaching, understanding, ideaology, and practices to demonstrate a cause. If you look deeper into each of those things society learn from Dr. King and the impact it had. Without those teachings the world might still be a very dark unequal world.
Therefore, I believe that the MLK statue is a necessary point in American history that needed to have its own monument within our nation's capital.
Dr. King
Dr. King was the most outspoken African American in history. What he did back in the 60's for blacks no other man could compare to today. He has influenced me to get a degree in school and have strong ties to the community. Today who knows were we would be if Dr. King did not due his part in the civil rights movement. To have the opportunity to be in the same classroom as another race is something that was considered wrong to whites. The memorial will represent a man that accomplished a lot in a little time and will encourage people around the world to stand up to world peace.
MLK
MLK was an amazing person. I believe that all he has done for society was extremely risky and brave to speak against the norm that society once was in. Not a lot of people have the guts to speak up for what they believe in and make such a risk. MLK deserves the new statue of himself and anyone that thinks differently must not want racial equality. One day, I hope that everyone is truly equal to one another.
I think that it is great that
I think that it is great that Martin Luther King has a statue so people can look at it and remember what he did and believe in his dream. Having this Statue placed in the mall i think is merely wrong he should be put in a place where it more appropriate for people to look at and make a difference.
Martin Luther King the Legend
I believe Martin Luther King took one of the largest steps in history. He fought for what he thought was right and succeeded. Although many racial relations still exist today, Martin Luther King and others alike helped to pave the future for not only African Americans but all races. He helped to define the meaning of equality as it deserved to be defined. Martin Luther King took a great step to ensure that all are treated humanely. In my life, I strive to practice and be the best I can be towards others. If I would like to be treated with respect, I must give the same respect to others to make relationships and connections. In a person’s life you can never take the back seat in any situation. You have to stand up for what you believe no matter what the circumstances are. If Martin Luther King can stand in front of the US during the time he did, anyone can stand up and fight for what they believe is right. Martin Luther King deserves a statue that is placed in a populated area. All people deserve to know what this man did for our country.
Pages