In the old days of working with elementary students (you know, the days before Covid came and changed everything?) I would treasure every January, for the conversations it would permit about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It was a welcome time during our January and February lessons as we focused on our nation’s history and the strong leaders who made a positive difference in who we are as a country. I especially welcomed the times we learned about and celebrated the life and accomplishments of this great Civil Rights leader, MLK Jr.
I happen to live and work in an area of rich diversity and my heart was always on the brink of breaking when a little learner’s eyes would pop open in 6 year old shock when they heard the stories of children just like them, as they bravely entered their school buildings while being attacked with hateful words and weapons from young and old alike. Or the lady who was tired after a hard days work, who just needed to sit down on her bus ride home, who met this type of violence as well. Just because their skin was not white. And to be clear, these student lessons and conversations are not taught from some college level CRT curriculum. They are lessons in US History that help teach young children to see outside of their own lives and understand what’s happened before us, so as to be sure this never happens again. And believe me, these children see!
Covid forced the decision for me to take a leave of absence from my work among elementary students this year. I miss the children and their fresh perspectives when they learn where we’ve been as a country. I especially miss when they’d share their ideas how to be better Americans, ideas that came to them when they’d dream of being leaders to their generation.
As I reflect on Martin Luther King Jr. alone this year, without my little learners by my side, I realize I feel different. Remembering MLK Jr. surrounded by children untarnished by the scope of our history of injustice towards Blacks and all people of color is often more hope filled and encouraging. This year when I sit alone thinking of our past in contrast to those who claim to be upholding our Democracy while stripping constitutional rights from those who deserve support and protection makes it look like we are at a critical fork in the road.
The race biased voting bills popping up in GOP states that target the population whose generational legacy was built on being trafficked, suffering abuse and inhumane treatment without their constitutional right to freedom - these same people who were a key part of building this nation through their forced labor and God given talent - the population who is being targeted today whose ancestors were the enslaved Americans, now face having their right to vote compromised and their voices silenced.
Yet, after this tumultuous year in which we see more clearly the strategy and strategists who work against civil rights in American, the beloved son of Dr. King, Martin Luther King III along with the King family have declared “No Celebration Without Legislation” in regards to celebrating the man, their father and family member, MLK Jr. as long as civil rights are under attack!
As a daughter of a great man myself, I try to understand what it must be like for all of the King family. I can only imagine what it must feel like for Dr. King’s son Martin, to have his father quoted over and over again, movies and documentaries played to honor him, to hear people talking about him, when they publicly celebrate his father and privately sit back and let this present injustice go unchallenged. After a year like this, I would want proof that what you say is indeed what you believe and that you’re willing to fight for it with action! And it seems that is what the King family want in 2022.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day social media is flooded with MLK Jr. remembrances. We honor him with our memes, quotes and messages in hopes to continue spreading his wisdom and to continue “showing” we stand with him for racial justice in this nation. Every January I embrace social media myself, as a way to share my thoughts as I post Dr. King’s most powerful quotes and links to his most stirring and convicting prose, such as his complete “Letter From a Birmingham Jail.” Showing (or posting) our solidarity helps, but this year it’s become more clear and much more urgent that our actions give proof of our convictions.
As long as we are still a Democracy, our voices hold power and our actions tell a story. Saturday held marches for Voting Rights in several cities and people left the comfort of their homes to speak and act for justice. Some are calling and writing representatives in Congress voicing their concern and demanding that Voting Rights must pass. With Covid and weather, many are restricted to their homes, feeling they can’t do enough to support voting rights legislation, but don’t give up and please don’t give in.
I like to write, so today I choose to compose a few letters to key players who have taken a stand in opposition to voting rights for all people. I will write because writing is an action I can attach to my opinion. Another thing I can do and for people of faith, we know it is the greatest most powerful action we can take, is to pray!
So today I will continue to pray, for all whose voices have been silenced, who feel marginalized and invisible. And my prayer begins with faith that you be confident in this, “Before you call out, God will answer; while you are still speaking, God will hear you.” Isaiah 65:24
This year let’s see that our actions speak louder than our posts!