When I was running my event management company, I had the privilege for many years of working on two major celebrations honoring the memory of Dr. King. First, King Week under the direction of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Los Angeles (SCLC-GLA); second, the Kingdom Day Parade with the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE).
Although I never had the opportunity to meet Dr. King, (I was just a little girl when he was killed) over the years, I met three of his children, Dexter, Yolanda, and Martin III. I believe his family wishes to continue his legacy and memory in helping make the world a better place for all.
This past week, there were many celebrations across the nation honoring the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Churches, nonprofits, as well as various other groups had speeches, dinners, parades, and days of service. One question one may ask, “Is the world a better place because Dr. King lived?”
Most of us are aware of the impact that Dr. King made regarding the civil rights movement and advocating for racial and social equality for all. However, with all he accomplished, we still have challenges in the world when it comes to justice for all. Now is a good time to recommit ourselves to the values and manners that we were raised with to keep this movement alive.
There are many who question if social justice and civil rights organizations are still needed today. I believe we need them now more than ever and it is critical that we not only believe that, but that we also support them whenever and however we can. These organizations address and still fight the indignity of discrimination and injustice.
Systemic discrimination is still alive and well in our country. We must continue to fight for all humanity and the pursuit of equality. I am of the school of thought that we can fight injustices through the power of nonviolence. I too desire to have a country where my children and grandchildren can live peaceably and safely and be judged by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin.
I proclaim and teach others that they can experience their season of greatness. Yes, the world is a better place because Dr. King not only lived but also because he cared about others. We are a new generation that must also be prepared to do what is necessary to continue the trajectory of making not only America what it can be, but the entire world.
To accomplish this, we need to understand what we stand for. What are the core values and principles in which we live our lives. It starts by exhibiting kindness and compassion towards others. Making sure equality is extended to all mankind.
Dr. King desired that all people would be able to live their lives to their fullest potential. We need to make sure we do not become so caught up with our own success that we do not keep in mind the needs of others.
Dr. King said, “Let us all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away, and the deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear-drenched communities and in some not-too-distant tomorrow, the radiant stars of love and brotherhood will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.”
Thank you, Dr. King for your sacrifice and example. We are grateful you lived to help others.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.
