MLK 50: Reflections

It's been 50 years since this speech was delivered, 50 years since the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

So many emotions.

When I was about 9 or 10 years old, my elementary school principal asked me to recite a portion of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech at a city event honoring Dr. King. My mother said I would do it. I, on the other hand, was terrified. I imagined all the eyes that would be watching and all the potential lines I would mess up. I was horrified.

My parents noticed I was super nervous and the night before I was to stand in front of these random people and speak they showed me Dr. King’s last speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop.” I remember lying in their bed watching the speech. My dad highlighted the passion that Dr. King spoke with and my mother highlighted his eloquence. I just remember thinking, if he can do it…so can I.

Now at the age of 23, I have a deeper level of respect for Dr. King and, more specifically, that speech. I recently re-watched the speech and I was, as always, blown away. His last speech overflowed with prophetic words signaling his longing to do God’s will, his ability to encourage others while feeling heavy himself, and his awareness of the times, something that we saw with Jesus Christ himself.

He was so in tune with his earthly purpose and his heavenly father, even until death.  He was cognizant of the world and its ailments while being fully persuaded that God is still in control. He understood that there was a time to fight and there was a time to pray. He understood “the system” but had faith enough to know that God would eventually get the glory out of all of it.

I’m daily inspired by the sacrifices, the courage, and the tenacity of the “Dr. Kings” that came before me. As a young woman at the brink of starting the rest of her life, I feel deeply connected to the balance between addressing societal issues while maintaining a spiritual conscious, fighting for justice knowing full well that God is the ultimate judge.

I’ll be honest. Looking at the news, reading “trending” news stories, seeing proposed legislation, and watching the desperation of a people is emotionally taxing. It makes you want to go live under a rock. Seriously, ignorance is bliss….I get it.

…but, I know that’s not my portion.   

 I understand that with the education I’ve been afforded, both academically and spiritually, I have the responsibility to push “The Dream” just a little bit further. With the grace and mercies that I receive daily, I understand that my purpose is right in the vertex of social change and spiritual enlightenment. It’s scary and that’s why I know it’s where I’m supposed to be.