I have a different way of observing Martin Luther King Day and the anniversary of Dr. King’s death. I don’t attend rallies. I don’t wear anything out of the ordinary. And I don’t listen to his “I have a dream” speech. In fact, for years I have favored a moratorium on playing that epic speech. That’s not meant as an insult to his legacy. It’s simply my response to the nullification of a sermon that is the quintessential indictment of “White makes right” Colonial Imperialist rule. I believe we should pause the tape for two reasons.
One reason is that too many Americans take Dr. King’s words for granted. At a time when a Black man is a stone’s throw from winning the Democratic nomination for President, certainly King’s dream has been realized, right? If the dream has been fulfilled, then it’s only proper to regard the speech in a historical light, and not as an underscore to the Satanic current of racism that still exists in America. We have made great strides, but observant individuals realize the dream is still a ways from fruition.
The other reason I think we should stop trotting the “Dream” speech out rests squarely on Black America’s shoulders. Let me switch to Bill Cosby mode. We are not taking advantage of the advances gained through the blood, sweat, and tears of our predecessors. Public education is one of the greatest gifts to a free people in any nation. Even in recent years, there have been massive inequalities in school systems. Yet I’m an example of the public school system. It’s not perfect (neither am I), but it’s not totally broken either. With some parental encouragement and involvement, miracles can happen. There are enough real victims among us. It’s time to stop cloaking ourselves in victimization, and get on with proving why we are equal.
So how do I celebrate Dr. King’s legacy. It’s simple. I work and I vote. I imagine many of you work as well. But I know many of you don’t vote. I’m not hating. But whether you feel it makes a difference or not, perhaps you should try it just once. Food for thought.
Peace out.