By Dalton Dockery, PhD
For the last five years, I have tried to write something in honor of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in observance of his national holiday. He was an individual from our past whose life meant so much to so many and for whom I have the upmost respect, a man whose legacy lives on even though he has been deceased over 40 plus years.
However, this year in writing a reflection about his life in honoring him, it’s been a little different.
It’s been different in the sense that we still continue to struggle with of COVID-19 as well as the new Omicron variant which in itself is not discriminatory as it relates to those who have been infected. It’s sad to say that in 2022 we are still dealing with the effects of this dreadful virus.
For a moment we saw a light at the end of the tunnel and while that light is still there, it just seems to be further away. With so many displaying the mental fatigue of isolation, the tragedy of sickness as well as the loss of loved ones it seems a little more than we can bear.
How would Dr. King respond to the struggles in this current situation, this particular time in history where it seems we are faced with an ever-ending struggle for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? How would he respond to the continuation of division on the country, the political divide, the racism, sexism and moral evils that are still trying to unhinge the fabric of the American Dream? Would he be upset, angry, or discouraged about what is happening at this point in time?
We all know that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr was one of the greatest leaders that the United States has ever been blessed with. Those who have studied the history and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. know that love was always at the center. It was love that caused him to preach non-violence, it was love that allowed him to endure the hardship of being beaten, jailed and finally murdered.
King understood that no matter the cause, love would always win. His biblical principles and Christian beliefs were the assets that allowed him to be victorious in a struggle that he fought without the use of his physical hands. His belief and spiritually of God were truly enough to sustain him during his life’s journey. Today the answer is still the same, it will take a multitude of love to move us forward.
Dr. King addressed many issues of that time and sadly to say some of those same issues still exist today. Times have gotten better but the issues of poverty, unemployment and injustice still exist in America today, not only in terms of skin color but there continues to be a disparity between the haves and have nots.
The sense of urgency still stands and continues to bring into focus and clarity the differences between right and wrong. He helped us to see a better way in which to live, a better way to treat our brothers and sisters regardless of race, gender, creed or ethnicity. He believed as well as I do even today that is more about the character of a man than his skin color.
To answer the questions that I have pondered, I believe Dr. King would still tell us today, do not confuse passive activism with doing nothing. We all have a part to play. We have to do our part and make love and compassion the tools of bringing forth true brotherhood. If America is to be truly great, we must see all as equals, we must see all as brothers and sisters interwoven in the fabric of America. We must see each other not through the physical lens of hate but through the spiritual lens of love. For the world to heal, we must love, and it has to be “Agape” love.
Dr. King paid the ultimate price for what he believed and knew to be right. Oftentimes being a leader requires great sacrifice. Americans, we know that we can be better; we just have to do our part and believe. I continue to admire the courage and the sacrifices he made in pursuit to help make America the best that our country could be. We as Americans along with the help of almighty God have to do our part to guide us through darkness into light.
I always enjoy reflecting on Dr. King every year. For me it is a renewal in since that reminds me that Good will always win and love will never fail. Through Dr. King’s life we see a shining example of love for his fellow mankind. We are the dream makers that have come forth from the work of our forefathers, as a nation the American Dream can be a reality. We just have to believe. So, as we celebrate, and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. let us be mindful of the life he lived and the sacrifices he made.
As a tribute to him and sacrifices he made please join us on Saturday, Jan. 15 at 11 a.m. at Vineland Station Depot in Whiteville for a ceremonial walk to the Courthouse.
