While there are many ways to remember and commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; the best way is to follow in his beliefs. Dr. King told us to “Take the first step in faith…You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” (The King Center, 2012) Dr. King developed his philosophies and approach for nonviolent struggle in part because he realized the power of the opposition was too tactically superior for any other strategy to be successful. As we honor Dr. King let’s not forget his message—a message of a movement he led and the struggle he engaged, which is much larger than that of freedom for African-Americans. Dr. King was well aware that freedom for African-Americans would also mean freedom for Arab-Americans, Latino-Americans, Asian-Americans, and ALL AMERICANS.
Social freedom and racial justice were not enough for Dr. King; he was just as committed to economic justice. His last campaign that brought him to Memphis was The Poor People’s Campaign. Bridging the gap between economic statuses was a major part of his Dream. We are facing our country’s greatest ever income inequality; we need Dr. King’s message and vision more than ever.
As Dr. King constantly reminded us: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
On a personal note:
I meet many people from many different backgrounds daily and I cannot help but to remember Dr. King’s movement. What many do not understand is that Dr. King made it possible for people like me and my family to live a better life in this great country. Civil rights protect every American regardless of race, culture, religion, ethnic background, or sexual orientation. He sacrificed his life not only for all Americans, but all of humanity as well. His message resonates through my daily activities as I believe in taking the first step in faith.