“The ultimate measure
of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but
where he stands at in times of challenge and controversy.”-Dr. Martin Luther
King Jr.
Today is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. day. Usually if I’m in
Daytona I go to the parade, but I didn’t make any parades today. Mainly because
I slept in. J Today I was able to read some really good articles
about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, and watch some really good movies about the
civil rights movement. When I watch movies like this I have mixed emotions. I
watch these movies so proud of what black people were able to accomplish. So
proud of their ambition and determination, to stand up against the injustices
they were facing. I feel proud to see them coming together and working
together, all for something bigger than them. These movies make me proud of my
ancestors. The other emotion I feel is (for a lack of a better word) anger. It’s
really hard to see people being treated like their life doesn’t matter. It’s
hard to watch people justify their racism by saying “God made us separate for a
reason”. It’s hard to watch black women raising white babies, but can’t even use
the same rest room as them. Not to mention the blaring of the N-Word, beatings
and killings. What makes it really hard is, yes these are just movies, but this
was the life our ancestors and grandparents had to live.
(Many may argue that even today we still face racial issues. Black men
are still being profiled, black women are still only seen as sex objects, but at
least we can walk down the street without seeing our brothers and fathers
hanging from a tree)
In high school we all got the very, short and watered down
version of Black History month which included the same people one of them
being, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I’ve been out of High School for a few years
now, and all I remember learning from there was he marched on Washington and
gave a speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. It didn’t mention that he “ended
the terror of being a black person living in the south”, because white men
walked the streets in search of a black man to lynch. Maybe that was left out
to protect us as kids. Maybe that was implied? Maybe it was left out on
purpose, who knows.
What I admire most about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was his
ability to face his fear, and to teach others to face their fears. 2nd Timothy 1:7 says “For God hath not given us the spirit of
fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” He definitely demonstrated
that, and led by example. Much like us, we must overcome our fears by facing
them head on and not running from them. I’m also inspired by how Dr. King
responded to his call, regardless of what it was like, what was going on, what
people were saying, the pressure that was on him. He stood up and did what was
required of him. I can only imagine what the world would be like if everyone
that has responded to their calling, stood up and did what was required of
them. How amazing would that be?! The only thing really stopping us is fear.
With social media, and everyone voicing their (at times unnecessary) opinions
we are afraid to step up in fear of judgment, and criticism. Would be still be
living like our grandparents and ancestors had our civil rights leaders been
too afraid? What isn’t getting done because we are too afraid to stand up? Who
is suffering because we fail to take action due to the concern of other people’s
opinions? We serve Christ, not humans!
Joshua 1:9 “Have Not I commanded
thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid neighter be though dismayed:
for The Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest”
God has commanded us, it’s time to trust him, know that he is with us
and go!
It wasn’t until I went to a HBCU (Historically Black
College/University) and took African American History and learned so much more.
Sitting in my class at Bethune Cookman University, with a white professor, I’ve
learned more about black history in one semester, then my 7years (6th-12th
grade) of school. I’ve learned about people I’ve never even heard of before,
inventors that don’t get their proper credit. Just like our ancestors didn’t
wait for someone to teach them, we can’t wait for anyone to teach us. If we
want more knowledge we have to go for it ourselves. You may not be able to
afford to attend The Great Bethune
Cookman, you may not be able to attend college period, but knowledge is
everywhere. You can easily access the internet with WiFi being everywhere, or a
library. When it comes to learning and knowing about your past, don’t settle for
what someone just tells you. Find out for you to make sure nothing is left out.
My only question is who does our generation have? During the
Trayvon Martin case, when we were trying to GET A TRIAL (How sad is
that, we had to march, and sign petitions just to get a trial for a young boy’s
murder, still sickens me) I was honored to hear The Rev. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton
speak. I was able to march the streets of Sanford with them among others, but
who is going to represent our generation? Does our generation even care? These
are questions I ask myself, but come up with no answers. While there might be
someone from this generation working with them, I wouldn’t know. If it’s you,
are you going to be courageous enough to stand up and remain strong when faced
with adversity?
Keep the dream alive.
“There comes a time when one must take a postion that is neither safe,
nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it
is right”-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
If you love someone
tell them
I love you
Destaynee
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