Still Hearing Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's Voice in 2021

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr (1929 - 1968) was a leader in the fight for civil rights, especially for the black community in the US, from 1955 until his death by gunshot in 1968. Dr. King followed the examples of Christianity and Mahatma Gandhi by leading peaceful resistance protests and activities. Starting in 1971, many cities and states started recognizing Dr. King with holidays, but in 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed into law his official, national holiday on the third Monday of January. 

"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant." - Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, Oslo, Norway - 1964

Although in the US many schools and businesses remain open during this holiday, it is recognized as a special time to teach our children, and each other, about non-violent resistance; defending freedom for all; and the importance to build understanding and compassion for each other. In today's world, where we're still facing racial (and other) inequalities, violent protests over political motivations, and an ever-more stressful time due to COVID-19, we should look at the acts of Dr. King (and Mahatma Gandhi) and take time to really see our neighbors. Building an understanding of what other people are going through in their lives will lead to compassion. Walking for a day in someone else's shoes builds a realization that there are challenges in the world that you may not even think about on a day-to-day basis. Something that you've only seen on TV or heard about 'back in the old days' could be happening right down the street from you. Dr. King calls out to us through the decades asking for people to open their eyes, hearts, and minds to the possibility that life isn't necessarily what it seems and that we need to come together as a united people, around the world, to build a civilization that's based on facts and relationships rather than blindness, misrepresentation, and fear. 

“The time is always right to do what is right.” -Oberlin College Commencement Speech - 1965

This year on Dr. King's holiday (Mon, Jan 18th), take a moment to read an article or book about Dr. King's works; watch the 2014 movie 'Selma' about Dr. King's life (or movies such as 'Hidden Figures' or 'The Help'); and take time to connect with your friends and colleagues of color to ask them questions about their lives, what they still struggle with today, and ask how you can help. Sometimes it takes a moment of extreme vulnerability to say that you don't understand something and ask for help or perspective, but in those moments we really find one another as fellow humans. I am very lucky to have a few very close, black friends with whom I can discuss questions or issues that are on my mind or that are going on in the world. Every time I do, I feel a little bit foolish. But, the reality is that without questions, there can't be answers; without answers, there is no truth; and without truth, we're all lost.

"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." - Strength to Love - 1963

All quotes courtesy of '17 Inspiring Martin Luther King Jr Quotes'. Biography.com. https://www.biography.com/news/martin-luther-king-famous-quotes (seen on 18-Jan-2021)

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Matt Brooks is a seasoned thought leader and practitioner in data and analytics; culture; product development; and transformation. View additional articles by clicking below; like them/follow him to learn more!