My experience of previous celebrations of MLK day seemed focused on an amazing leader, a man who advocated non-violent change and dreamed of a better world for all, a movement that seemed to facilitate significant societal change in its time and a leader who was willing to risk his own safety and life to make a positive difference. All worthy of much reverence and celebration. But this year feels different.
Certainly, a part of that difference is watching a national official espouse disgraceful and unacceptable ideologies; but that alone does not fully define the change. We have always known that there were racist, mean spirited, sexist, misogynistic people in our midst and in our government. It is sad to see those characteristics in the figure head leader of our nation but it is not all together surprising. Perhaps the biggest surprise is in the unfiltered blatant public expression of those views.
What feels most different are the ways in which we are becoming numb to the systematic rapid and overshadowed dismantling of core societal constructs that have been in place to support our communities and our future.
While the news cycle is fully distracted by egregious comments from the White House – there is much less public discourse about the rolling back of environmental protections, dismantling of social services to the poor and disabled, limiting of the use of science to improve our health and well-being or the ways in which regulations are being reconfigured to line the pockets of the already rich and powerful people and corporations in our communities. We hear less public discussion about the educational disparities between schools in communities of color and those in predominantly white communities. There is less discussion about reducing discriminatory practices in community policing.
There is no question that these times are overwhelming and emotionally exhausting and it would be easiest to give up the fight for a just and better society. But that is why it is so important for us to celebrate and remember people like the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I have no doubt that he too felt overwhelmed and hopeless at times; but he persisted. And ultimately gave his life for what he believed.
I am hopeful that as people of faith we can find ways to honor God, our neighbors, ourselves and Martin Luther King by committing not to allow ourselves to become numb to the injustices of our society. We are called to speak out and care for the marginalized and those who cannot take care of themselves. Our voices cannot fall silent!
It is easy in these times to be distracted by showmanship. Magicians and con men have used their techniques for a long time to take advantage of others. It is our job to ensure that we do not fall prey to their slight of hand.
Let us commit to not losing our faith or our energy to fight for justice and to use the memory of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to strengthen our resolve.
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