Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In addition to being a world-renowned, non-violent civil rights leader, Dr.. Martin Luther King, Jr., authored four books::
- Why We Can’t Wait
- The Measure of a Man
- Strength to Love
- Where Do We Go from Here
Quotes from his books and speeches have inspired, motivated, guided and calmed me for more than fifty years.
This morning when I heard the verdict rendered against the police officer who shot and killed Michael Brown in Ferguson Missouri, I thought about this quote:
In 1963, I heard Dr. King’s “I Have A Dream” speech for the first time. As I watched the March on Washington and two active toddlers determined to pull my attention away from our 12 inch black and white television; I thought, unlike me, my toddlers one day will “be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin.” I believed Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement would make the dream come true. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen.
As I head into 2015, I feel there is a strong possibility my three grandsons (ages 24, 18 and 14) will be judged by the color of their skin. And, it is possible, the poor judgment of a police officer expected to protect, but instead might reject because of the color of their skin and this could mean death.
SeasonedSistah 
oh Yvonne, my heart aches so you, for the very sad and relevant fears that must be a constant presence in your mind and heart, the awful truth that what has happened in Ferguson could very well be repeated, and that you grandsons’ could bear the brunt of such a tragedy. until this world of our can come to it’s senses, it’s up to all of us who yearn for justice and equality to speak out, and do what we are able to honor Dr. King’s Dream and keep it alive in hope even it the wake of devastating disappointment that it’s not yet come to fruition. I send you warm and gentle hugs to comfort you…
…with much love,
karen
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This comment echoes my feelings and hopes. Remembering Dr. King’s words brings added sadness because we are still far from his Dream becoming reality. We have much work to do.
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I just hurt for everyone involved in this whole mess. My two grand daughters are always in my mind. They have been judged for the color of their skin too. Perceptions must change so that we learn to accept people for who they are and not who they appear to be. Thank you for sharing your heart. Hugs to you and your grandsons ❤
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Deep quote Yvonne…very deep. I dare to hope for the better…yet I know that even when amongst your kind, you are still judged for something. It is well. Hugs
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It is all so complicated. I still believe what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed in and that was peaceful resistance to hate and prejudice. Treating wrong doings with more hate and wrong doings will serve no purpose but to perpetuate the wrong things. He stood for love and his dignity and eloquence moved a nation and still move me today when I listen to those words every year on his holiday. If only we could all believe in our hearts and soul the words he said so many years ago…that no-one would be judged by the color of their skin then maybe we could all feel a bit freer. xxoo
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This post has saddened me , I too believed that speech and many times have revisited it . I am so sorry that things did not come to pass exactly as that wonderful man hoped for.
When I read Toni Morrison’s wonderful book ‘ Beloved ‘ I had a passion to share that book with every person I met , it brought me to my knees , I could not believe the sheer lack of compassion and understanding that some of the characters in that book displayed. After my mind calmed a little I came to the conclusion that education was the way forward however after reading your post and many more similar articles from around the world I realise that power in the wrong hands can do so much damage.
In my own country here in Ireland the land of Saints and Scholars power has been greatly misused and we the ordinary folk are paying the cost somewhat.I don’t know what the answer is all I know is that I try by best to instil into the minds of my own grand children the value of education and I share my stories with them.
I hope and pray with all my heart that your lovely grand children will never be judged on the colour of their skin please God that will not ever happen to them , God bless you and your loved ones always.
,
Kind Regards Kathy
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Hearing another grand jury decided yesterday not to indict a white police officer for killing an unarmed black man when he put him in a choke hold has brought this issue back into the forefront for me as well. I don’t know what the solution is. So sad.
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