Monday, January 16, 2012

Martin Luther King Day: Do We Remember?


Today we commemorate the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For many of us, however, this translates into a day off work.

Dr. King's legacy seems of little relevance to Americans in the new millennium; the drama, violence, and controversy surrounding the civil rights movement long forgotten.

Vicious police actions against nonviolent protesters--using fire hoses and attack dogs--shocked the nation. On the other hand, those televised images to mobilize people of different religions, race, and economic status in the fight against segregation.

Bombings, murders, and church-burnings dominated newspaper headlines during this period of deep unrest.

Millions of Americans--black and white, male and female, straight and gay--have benefited from the courage of King and ordinary citizens who faced hostile crowds and indifferent law enforcement to bring about change.

It is inevitable that historical events lose less impact for later generations who did not witness or participate in them

Nonetheless, by recalling our nation's history, we recognize the price paid by others for rights we enjoy today, even in times of economic instability.
,

No comments: