Today is Dr Martin Luther King day here in the USA. It's a day to remember the greatness of the man, the courage he showed, and his message that all people, all races and religious beliefs, could live together in harmony, helping each other to greatness. The dream hasn't been fully realized yet, but it's come a long way since the day he died in 1968.
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Dr Martin Luther King, photographed on his balcony shortly before he was shot, was a strong voice for equality. Although James Earl Ray was arrested and convicted of his death, I doubt it was that cut and dried. For more information on a possible conspiracy in government, check out this link. https://www.history.com/news/who-killed-martin-luther-king-james-earl-ray-mlk-assassination |
I was in my teenage years when Dr King was preaching, I remember clearly when he was assassinated and the fear prevalent that cities would go up in flame. That they didn't was testament to his words - he would not have supported the destruction of everything he was working toward - harmony and equality. Have we achieved it yet, some 54 years later? I'm ashamed to admit that we haven't. Cities are still divided. People of color are still segregated into pockets in every city. Are there exceptions? Absolutely. It's not quite as bad as it was in the 70's when a black person moving into a suburban neighborhood would immediately see "For Sale" signs on properties in the immediate area.
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In those days, throughout the nation, suburbia was a white enclave which, although it didn't have physical walls, was still determined to keep people of color out. Unfortunately, it hasn't changed as much as I wish. Suburbia is more integrated now, but the suburbs are still heavily white in population. |
But it's not good yet. There is more understanding and more integration. There is less use of side glances just because of skin color. But despite the fact that there is less, it is still there. So have we learned anything at all?
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When I look at a photo like this, I see a lot of very beautiful women. I'm not picking and choosing because of their skin tone. Other people, unfortunately, will do that, though. They will pick and choose between these lovely women, and some of what they choose will be based on the color of the model's skin. |
Our hope lies with the younger generation - that they can, and often do, look at skin tones as just one more aspect of beauty for any person. They aren't perfect either - there were plenty of young people storming the Capitol building in the January 6th riots. Most, if not all, of them were not people of color. Maybe those people of color who watched on their computers and TV's like the rest of us were much wiser than the rioters. It's to be hoped that they keep that wisdom during the next few elections when "The Donald" will probably hope to run for Presidential office one more time.
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I remember when Dr King spoke these words in Washington DC. They still resonate today, more than 50 years later. We haven't achieved this dream yet, but most not stop working towards making it a reality for everyone in this nation. |
On that rather depressing note, I apologize. I rarely speak politics, and humbly beg your pardon. But Dr King had a dream, and I share that dream. I'm seeing small sparkles in the darkness, but I do think that more must be accomplished before that dream becomes reality. Try to further that dream as you interact with others today. Equality, justice, and over all ... love and acceptance. Peace, I'll be back tomorrow.
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