How Best to Remember Dr. King
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. asked Americans to stand up for justice during difficult and terrifying times. In the war against hate, men and women and children--black and white--were beaten, bloodied and bombed. They lost jobs, homes and lives. Yet they continued to take a principled stand.
The civil rights movement made great strides, yet racial hatred has not disappeared. Letter bombs, motivated by racial animosities, according to the FBI, killed a federal judge in Birmingham, Ala., and a black attorney in Savannah, Ga., last month. Deadly explosives were also mailed to a branch of the NAACP and to the federal appeals courthouse in Atlanta. Thankfully, no one else was hurt.
Last week President Bush, pointedly referring to the mail bombs as he saluted King, who would have celebrated his 61st birthday today, promised to use his office as a “bully pulpit.” The commitment is most welcome but, of course, words are simply not enough.
Speaking out carried a high and painful price during King’s heyday. Taking a just stand is not as difficult today, nearly 22 years after the leader’s assassination. The commitment to equality, however, is just as necessary. Hate crimes are on the rise against black Americans, Latinos, Asians and whites. Racial incidents are on the increase in schools, on college campuses, in the workplace and in racially polarized cities. The pain is spreading.
One imaginative response to the rising racial tension comes from Boston minister Charles Stith, who has organized vigils in 21 cities. Political, business and civic leaders--and ordinary citizens--are being asked to sign a pledge to support racial harmony, justice and equality. It all sounds so simple, maybe even a little corny. Can it help? Rev. Stith believes strongly that such a seemingly simple gesture helps set the climate for what will be tolerated and the agenda for what must be done. Nine vigils held since the Dec. 14 start in Washington, D.C., have attracted several thousand participants, but the vigils are getting bigger and the momentum is building. Los Angeles Councilman Nate Holden is coordinating the Los Angeles vigil, which will be held at noon on Lincoln’s birthday, Monday, Feb. 12, on the steps of City Hall. Remember to take a stand against hate--and re-embrace King’s legacy of action. It will only take an hour or so of your time.