MORNING ENERGY: SIPPING ON THE CAFFEINE OF SOCIAL JUSTICE

Written by Leonard Tshienge, Poet, Creative Writer, and Holistic Business Consultant specializing in cultural diversity and African Diaspora Engagement

They say America runs on Dunkin, where the pulse of our nation is fueled by coffee that ignites our morning vigor. But what if, instead, Americans found inspiration in the enduring energy of Martin Luther King? Picture sipping on a cup of coffee infused with the caffeine of social justice, charging our morning vitality with

• Tolerance, Love, and Empathy,
• The elimination of Hate, Unconscious, White Supremacy, and Implicit Bias.

Don't reserve your patriotism for moments when it conveniently aligns with your mood. In the tapestry of patriotism, let us weave threads that withstand the fluctuations of mood, transcending episodic enthusiasm. As Martin Luther King Jr. once eloquently stated, "The time is always right to do what is right." This timeless wisdom resonates, urging us not only to embrace patriotism in convenient moments but to sustain it consistently throughout the year.

Amidst the complexities of our socio-economic landscape, the nuances of bad capitalism and the unequal distribution of wealth contribute to the marginalization and isolation of black and brown communities. It is in these moments that the essence of Dr. King's words echoes: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." The impact of economic disparities reverberates, affecting minority communities and immigrant businesses that find themselves isolated from the mainstream of the American economy. However, it is crucial to recognize that the resilience of small businesses is integral to the broader economic fabric, as Dr. King affirmed, "Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."

Therefore, let our commitment to equity and justice stand as a beacon, illuminating our collective journey. Dr. King's words guide us: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Let us stand against the prevailing challenges—Islamophobia, inequity, wealth disparities, systemic racism, Black women bias, mass incarcerations, and genocide. Driven by the profound insight that "injustice must be exposed, with all the tension its exposure creates," we confront the sins of American imperialism, white supremacy, all phobias, and Xenophobia.

In this enduring commitment to justice, Dr. King's words echo a call to action: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Let our collective voices rise against injustice, echoing through the corridors of history. By embracing patriotism not as a fleeting sentiment but as a perpetual commitment to justice, we pave the way for a society where every individual is valued, respected, and embraced.

In this alternate reality, where Americans harness Martin Luther King's energy through coffee laced with the caffeine of social justice, African immigrants awaken each morning adorned in African attire. Their day unfolds with a deep dive into Black History, exploring how the Civil Rights Movement influenced the passage of the Nationality Services Act of 1965. This pivotal legislation opened doors to immigrants from diverse backgrounds. Following this enlightening study, African immigrants join a Black Lives Matter Rally, standing in solidarity with African Americans in the spirit of unity across the African diaspora.

By infusing our morning energy with the powerful message of Martin Luther King's caffeine of social justice, we embark on a journey to create a more just and equitable society for all. Let our daily fuel be a commitment to the values espoused by Martin Luther King Jr., working towards an inclusive and equitable world. It's time to extend our gaze beyond borders and recognize the crises in Eastern Congo, Ukraine, Russia, Palestine, and Gaza, crises around the world. The anguish endured by those in these regions is a stain on our shared humanity. We must address these crises in solidarity and work towards a world where justice and compassion prevail.

Let us draw inspiration from Martin Luther King's enduring message, taking away the profound truth that our collective responsibility is to build a world where everyone is valued, respected, and embraced in the tapestry of our shared humanity. Happy MLK Day!

Copyright ? 2024 Leonard Tshiteng. All rights reserved.