Well known for his work in The Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. his contributions, and the contributions of countless others well known and unknown -black and white alike, allow many of us here in America to lead lives and professions thanks to their hard work and sacrifice. A remarkable man indeed, he enrolled in Morehouse College at the age of 15, and went on to receive his B.A in Sociology. I'll save you a recap on history, but please note for those who wish I had, or better yet wish to receive knowledge/further education on this brother (and other mentioned subjects herein); several links are provided. :-}
Today's holiday has led me to reflect on such instances, which as an alumna of Virginia Union University, a HBCU (Historically Black Colleges/Universities), inspires me to never take what I have recognized as my rights since 1990, for granted. In February of 1960, a group of 34 VUU students who walked from my campus to downtown Richmond to host a peaceful sit-in at an establishment where African American's were unjustly treated. This event was essential to Richmond's desegregation ,and the group of brave students is now known as The Richmond 34. Persistence in the Civil Rights Movement allow many of us to live "the dream" Dr. King had several years ago.
I always remembered the year Dr. King was assassinated clearly because it was three months and four days prior to my mother's birth. In today's fast paced and technologically savvy society, I believe time often gets away from us quickly on a daily basis, but certain events weren't too long ago.
In about the past week or two, I have seen various party promotions that went viral because of the photoshopped image(s) of Dr. King dressed in a hip-hop uniform of sorts, surrounded by voluptuous women with one even mentioning something about the "freedom to twerk". Has hip-hop and the newly viral twerk culture (falsely credited to Miley Cyrus) become more important than the efforts of those who have literally risked their lives marching, booked for minor offenses such as attempting to segregate "white only" establishments during the Jim Crow era, and in extreme cases, becoming the Strange Fruit Nina Simone soulfully sang of , "hanging from the Poplar Trees".
There have been several headlines I've seen online in light of this holiday, one questioning if there has been progression or regression of black folks/black culture in general. Which is debatable depending on whom you ask, when, where, and in reference to what aspects, current events, pop culture influence, and blatantly bigoted actions by several individuals on a daily basis. I say those things to say the following:
Let's not forget the dream, and let us work hard to continue to "let freedom ring" by taking accountability for our actions, honoring our ancestors, and continuing to build a lasting legacy for our children for years to come. Don't take the efforts of many be in vain.
Happy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
