SitemapA sad and ironic reality once again permeates America on this federal holiday dedicated to the life and teachings of civil-rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
For far too many in the Mahoning Valley and in the nation, the third Monday of January rises as just another day to sleep in, another day off work or another day to catch up on neglected personal tasks. This year, many no doubt will use it as an unexpected opportunity to recover from the weekend wrath of Winter Storm Harper that dumped a foot or more of snow on much of the region.
To be sure, special events in Youngstown, Warren and elsewhere appropriately have been taking place this weekend to memorialize the man and preserve his dream. But given that many continue to perceive MLK Day mistakenly as a “black” holiday, a key part of the holiday’s intent in uniting all Americans behind King’s vision of colorblind justice for all remains elusive.
Today’s holiday, like the man it honors, must espouse inclusiveness as a key tool to effect positive changes in a land where hate-inspired injustices continue to run rampant.
If King were still alive today, he would have turned 90 this month. He likely would be pleased by some of the advances in opportunities for African-Americans and other people of color. He, however, would be saddened by the rigid racial divide that persists in this country and by the upswing in hate-inspired violence toward minority groups in recent years.
Chances are good, however, he would not be surprised. After all, King clearly recognized that the journey to human progress never follows a neat linear path.
As he so eloquently put it in a 1961 address at New York University, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable. … Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
King, of course, himself escorted America through many giant steps of lasting positive change for our society. That is why this day in his honor remains the only national holiday dedicated to a private-sector American.
But he also clearly realized that setbacks would be inevitable along that monumental and tiring trek.
Indeed the challenges, goals, values and dream that King so passionately espoused did not die that early April 1968 evening on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn., where he was shot to death. Many more steps lie ahead in the journey that King merely began. To read the full story from The Vindicator, click here.