Reflecting on the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
It’s been 35 years since the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. was first observed as a federal holiday. Each year, the day is a moment to reflect and pay tribute to Dr. King’s role in advancing civil rights and fighting social injustice through nonviolent protests. This year, as we grapple with the racial injustices facing our country and the recent violence in the nation’s capital, the day takes on even greater significance.
Just as Dr. King expressed in the 1960s, this is not a time to stay silent. It’s not a time to rest on our laurels. It is the responsibility of each one of us to reexamine and reflect on our own roles in systemic racism—and our own roles in effecting change.
It goes without saying that we, as a country, and as a people, have a long way to go. Today, as we celebrate Dr. King’s birthday, let us find inspiration in his legacy, and in his commitment to create a more just and equitable society for all.
Retired Partner, FCPA,FCA, life time member , FCA , ICAEW and lifetime member,
3 年I believe we all should make extra effort at every level to root out this menace from our society. Unfortunately, some or lot of us turn away or ignore when it is happening to some one else, even if they are our neighbours, fellow workers or people who we know in our real life. All of you leaders in the organization can make a big difference. I remember during my professional life, although one stood up to lot of things but some how always felt to remain politically correct. I believe things have changed a lot in the last 4/10 years even in the profession. So let us not leave it to the beaver. All of us at every level, not just the Govts can will bring the real change. Thanks for sharing.
Senior Tax Associate
3 年Absolutely agree. I experience that in my own life. My family and I survived genocide in the middle of Europe in the 20th century (1992-1995). Enemy soldiers came early in the morning and ripped families of different nationalities than their own out of their homes and onto the streets. They separated men from women. Men and women with children were sent to different concentration camps. Men were beaten and unlucky women were raped. However, that’s not what hurt. What hurt the most was that my neighbors with the same nationality as the enemy soldiers were SILENT. I knew many of them personally. We went to school together. They were my schoolmates. They just watched through the windows. None of them spoke up. It is not what is legal, it is what is ethical. My ethical standards guided me through that time (war time). Unprecedented times bring out the bad and good in people. Unfortunately, more of the bad. If we see something wrong, we must speak up. Personal ethical standards are what should lead us through life and make us speak up and do the right thing.
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3 年Powerful, soul-stirring quote! Thanks for sharing Wayne Berson!
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3 年True that